Garage & Updates

Phishing is the process whereby a malicious third party attempts to trick you into providing information that they shouldn’t have. For instance, someone could send you an email pretending to be from Skype and ask you to click on a link asking you to sign in and check your account.

When you click this link you are then directed to a website that may look like Skype; however, it is being controlled by a third party and when you enter your Skype Name and password they store this information and use it for malicious purposes.

We’re aware of a number of phishing emails which have been making the rounds recently – one invites you to reset your password while another alert you to problems processing your payments. Both link to a site which isn’t controlled by Skype.

Here are some examples of what these may look like:

Phishing Scam #1: Problem with your payment

Phishing Scam #2: Password Reset

Phishing Scam #3: Purchase Delivered (Long)

Phishing Scam #4: Purchase Delivered (Short)

If you receive one or more of these emails, or another email which looks suspicious, do not click on any of the links in it, open the attachment, or share your username and password. If you arrive at a website, through a link or some other such redirection, make sure that it says skype.com in your browser’s address bar and does not contain within the web address additional characters or words. For instance, notskype.com or skype1.com are both invalid web addresses.

In general, we strongly encourage you to be cautious when receiving any email from any unknown or unexpected source that asks you to take some kind of action or that requests sensitive personal information.

And remember, if you do think that your account has been compromised or even suspect it, then go to skype.com and change your password immediately.

For more information about phishing and advice on how to stay safe online, visit the security section of our website.