Skype Scam Removal Guide

Skype offers Voice over IP service that has more than 600 million users worldwide. It is of no surprise, however, that due to its popularity, this software application also becomes a target for cyber scams. Skype Scam is a collection of a few infections that make use of Skype as a medium for malware distribution. There are at least 2 prominent Skype virus infections that spread as fake instant and voice messages, infecting users with either fake antivirus programs or ransomware threats.

Fake Virus Call via Skype spreads fake antivirus warning. Users receive an automated voice call from a generic account that is usually called Urgent Notice, Skype Alert System or Service Report. This Skype Scam tells the user in a robotic voice that his computer protection service is not active and the user has to update his antivirus software. Fake Virus Call relays a website address that you are supposed to visit immediately, but if you do so, you will encounter a fake antivirus scan that will “check” your system, and then you will be told that your Computer protection is NOT ACTIVE, and so you must activate computer protection for $19.95.

Fake Virus Call via Skype obviously is just another cyber scam, and you should trust it, because cyber criminals only want to make some easy money. Luckily, the fake antivirus scan occurs online, and you do not download anything on your computer. However, we would recommend changing your Skype privacy settings, allowing calls only from your contacts. This way this Skype Scam will not able to reach you. However, that is not the only malicious message that can reach you via Skype.

Another Skype virus resembles the notorious Ukash and MoneyPak ransomware infections. It displays a socially-engineered message saying “lol is this your new profile pic?”. The danger behind this Skype Scam is that this message is delivered by someone from your contact list. However, this message is absolutely automated, and it has been sent out to you, because the other person’s computer is infected with a Trojan or other malware that distributes these messages. If you click on the link displayed by this Skype Scam and download a zip file, your computer will be locked. You will see a notification on your screen that will ask for money, saying you have breached a few laws:

You have violated federal law of the United States of America : (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8; Article 202 of the Criminal Code of USA which provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.)

All your files are encrypted. In case you fail to pay $200 fine all your files will be permanently deleted and prohibited files will be sent to the Department with logged IP-addresses used for illegal activity.

Naturally, this message is a hoax, and you need to terminate Skype Scam immediately. Use the instructions below to get your desktop access:

For Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Restart your computer and tap F8 repeatedly after BIOS screen loads.
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
3. Access http://www.411-spyware.com/download-sph and download SpyHunter.
4. Install SpyHunter and run a full system scan to detect malware.

For Windows XP

1. Repeat the steps above 1 and 2.
2. Click Yes when a confirmation box appears.
3. Download SpyHunter.
4. Open Start Menu and launch Run.
5. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
6. Click Startup tab.
7. Click Disable all, and click OK. Exit the menu.
8. Restart your computer in Normal Mode.
9. Install the program downloaded and perform and full system scan.

Invest in a reliable antimalware tool to terminate Skype Scam for good, and do not hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any question regarding this infection.