Skype Scam Alert

If you live in the United States and use Skype on a daily basis, you may be in trouble because Skype Scam is on the loose. In fact, there are two different infections which may corrupt your operating Windows system – the fake AV and the deceptive ransomware. Both of these infections are spread via Skype Instant Messaging or Skype Calls, which is why you should be extremely cautious when communicating online. If you would like to learn more and find out how to remove Skype Scam from the PC, you should continue reading.

As research shows, the malicious fake AV is propagated directly by schemers calling you via Skype. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to change your Skype contact sharing settings, so that you could be reached by your personal contacts only. This temporary measure will help you avoid calls from schemers until Skype manages to implement appropriate security updates. All in all, you should ignore calls from such contacts as:

- URGENT NOTICES
- ONLINE REPORT NOTICE
- Skype Alert System, etc.

In case you answer a fake virus call, a pre-recorded message informs you that your computer security system needs to be updated and you need to activate PC security by visiting a given link. It has been researched that once you are routed to sosbl.com, updatega.com, helpmgr.com, helpsg.com and similar websites – you are presented with a fake threat scanner. Once it is done scanning the PC, you are prompted with this alert:

Activate Computer Protection Service!
Service includes:
Spyware, malware and virus removal
Hardware diagnostics
Registry optimization
Disk defragmentation
Tune up your PC/Mac to run faster
Microsoft Windows and/or Apple Critical Updates

*failure to activate computer protection service may result in severe computer malfunction

Even though the price ($19.95) for a supposedly legal malware detection and removal tool is low, you should not even think about purchasing it. If you do not follow this advice, you will lose your money and schemers will gain access to such private information as your full name, email address, street address, zip code, city, state and country you live in.

What about Skype Scam ransomware? This devious piece of malware travels via an executable attached to a zip file which is sent to you via Skype Instant Messaging. Unfortunately, this scam is more deceptive than the fake virus call because schemers firstly corrupt your personal contact accounts and use their reputable names to send you the file. What is more, the name of the infected file is attractive so that you click on it immediately. Please make sure to ignore files named as "lol is this your new profile pic?" If you extract the file and run the executable, you launch a malicious ransomware which locks your PC and demands fake fine payments:

You have violated federal law of the United States of America : (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8; Article 202; Article 2010 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 of your files will be permanently deleted and prohibited files will be sent to the Department with logged IP-addresses used for illegal activity.

Both the fake virus call and the Moneypak ransomware, also known as Skype Scam, should be deleted urgently. Unfortunately, manual removal is not something we recommend due to the complexity of the malicious infection. Despite this, you are more than welcome to use the automatic removal tool SpyHunter, which will delete Skype Scam in no time. In case you are attacked by the fake AV – simply install the tool by clicking on the download button below. In case your PC is locked by the ransomware alert which you cannot remove from the screen – follow the instructions below to conduct successful removal.

Delete the infection from Windows Vista/7:

1. Hit the power button on the PC to restart it.
2. The second BIOS loads up – start tapping the F8 key.
3. Use arrow keys to navigate to Safe Mode with Networking and hit Enter to select.
4. Go to http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph and download the removal tool SpyHunter.
5. Install the application to have all infections deleted.

Delete the infection from Windows XP:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from previous removal instructions.
2. Click Yes on the “Windows is running in safe mode” notification.
3. Open the Start menu and launch RUN.
4. Type “msconfig” and click OK to access the System Configuration Utility.
5. Click on the Startup tab.
6. Hit the Disable All button and click Apply.
7. Download the automatic Skype Scam ransomware removal tool