Skype Spam

[Howard Brazee]

I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.

But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?

[Jolly Roger]

In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,

I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
D

Kidding aside, I just block them when I see them. Done deal.

--
Send responses to the relevant news group rather than email to me.
E-mail sent to this address may be devoured by my very hungry SPAM
filter. Due to Google's refusal to prevent spammers from posting
messages through their servers, I often ignore posts from Google
Groups. Use a real news client if you want me to see your posts.

JR

[Jolly Roger]

In article <michelle-1299CB...@news.eternal-september.org>,
Michelle Steiner <mich...@michelle.org> wrote:

> In article <jollyroger-8AFE6...@news.individual.net>,

> Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
>
> > besides, what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to
> > time?
>

> Those living in the Castro district of San Francisco, and others like them.
> <g>

You're right, I should have qualified that:

What hot-blooded straight American male doesn't like strange girls

winking at him from time to time?

: )

[Jolly Roger]

In article <slrnjup1tl....@krismbp.local>,
Lewis <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:

> In message <jollyroger-8AFE6...@news.individual.net>

> Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
> > In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
> > Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
>
> >> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
> >> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
> >>
> >> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
> >> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
>
> > I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
> > someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
> > doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
> > what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
> > D
>

> There are privacy setting in Skype, but maybe only int he desktop
> client. I had them set to only allow calls and messages to my skype name
> from contacts.
>
> I hate the current version of the Skype software so much that I've
> removed it from all my computers and iOS.

The iOS version in particular was recently much improved. It crashed
almost constantly for me before the latest release. Now it's much more
stable. YMMV, of course.

[Todd Allcock]

At 28 Jun 2012 07:46:19 -0700 Michelle Steiner wrote:
> In article <jollyroger-8AFE6...@news.individual.net>,
> Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
>

> > besides, what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time
to
> > time?
>

> Those living in the Castro district of San Francisco, and others like
them.
> <g>

I dunno. As a straight man, I still appreciate a wink from a gay man.
Approval is approval, and frankly, I can't afford to be choosy! ;)

[Jolly Roger]

In article <jsi66r$pua$2...@dont-email.me>,

Good point. I've gotten a fair share of winks from gay men, and while I
wouldn't be interested in pursuing them, I do appreciate it. : D

[A1...@gmail.com]

On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:47:07 -0700, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com>
wrote:

>In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
> Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
>
>> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
>> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
>>
>> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
>> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
>
>I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
>someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
>doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
>what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :

I for one object to these text messages. I get charged for each text
message sent to me.

[Tom Stiller]

In article <dlgpu79i98dd88ive...@4ax.com>,

which is why I have text messaging blocked on my phone.

--
PRAY, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf
of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy. -- Ambrose Bierce

[Jolly Roger]

In article <dlgpu79i98dd88ive...@4ax.com>,
A1...@gmail.com wrote:

Strange. I haven't ever signed up for a paid Skype account, and Skype
text messages don't result in any charges for me.

[Jolly Roger]

In article <tom_stiller-0D37...@news.individual.net>,

Tom Stiller <tom_s...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> In article <dlgpu79i98dd88ive...@4ax.com>,
> A1...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:47:07 -0700, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
> > > Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
> > >
> > >> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
> > >> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
> > >>
> > >> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
> > >> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
> > >
> > >I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
> > >someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
> > >doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
> > >what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
> >
> > I for one object to these text messages. I get charged for each text
> > message sent to me.
>
> which is why I have text messaging blocked on my phone.

Skype text messages, or SMS text messages?

[Alan Browne]

At first I got a few. The best defense for me is to use the block
feature. After a while you drop off the radar.


--
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
-Samuel Clemens.

[Tom Stiller]

In article <jollyroger-2BABD...@news.individual.net>,

Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> In article <tom_stiller-0D37...@news.individual.net>,
> Tom Stiller <tom_s...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > In article <dlgpu79i98dd88ive...@4ax.com>,
> > A1...@gmail.com wrote:
> >
> > > On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:47:07 -0700, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > >In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
> > > > Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
> > > >> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
> > > >>
> > > >> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
> > > >> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
> > > >
> > > >I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
> > > >someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
> > > >doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
> > > >what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
> > >
> > > I for one object to these text messages. I get charged for each text
> > > message sent to me.
> >
> > which is why I have text messaging blocked on my phone.
>
> Skype text messages, or SMS text messages?

SMS; I have never been charged for any SKYPE services.

[Howard Brazee]

On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:31:06 -0400, Alan Browne
<alan....@FreelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:

>On 2012-06-27 22:11 , Howard Brazee wrote:
>> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
>> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
>>
>> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
>> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
>
>At first I got a few. The best defense for me is to use the block
>feature. After a while you drop off the radar.

Can I use it without enabling my account?

--
"In no part of the constitution is more wisdom to be found,
than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace
to the legislature, and not to the executive department."

- James Madison

[Jolly Roger]

In article <tom_stiller-D331...@news.individual.net>,

You do realize this thread is about Skype, right?

[Jolly Roger]

In article <qdopu75trft92q0qc...@4ax.com>,

Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:

> On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:31:06 -0400, Alan Browne
> <alan....@FreelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:
>
> >On 2012-06-27 22:11 , Howard Brazee wrote:
> >> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
> >> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
> >>
> >> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
> >> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
> >
> >At first I got a few. The best defense for me is to use the block
> >feature. After a while you drop off the radar.
>
> Can I use it without enabling my account?

Enabling your account?

If you mean upgrading to a paid account, the answer is yes, you can
block people with the free account.

[Tom Stiller]

In article <jollyroger-EECD4...@news.individual.net>,

Yeah, but somewhere along I lost the context and must've substituted a
convenient one. Sorry.

[Wes Groleau]

On 06-28-2012 11:24, Jolly Roger wrote:
> What hot-blooded straight American male doesn't like strange girls
> winking at him from time to time?

When the pictures were in the skimpiest of bikinis, had the head cropped
off, and started coming the month my wife died, I sure didn't appreciate it.

--
Wes Groleau

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
— Socrates

[Jolly Roger]

In article <jsit3b$cth$2...@dont-email.me>,

Wes Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:

> On 06-28-2012 11:24, Jolly Roger wrote:
> > What hot-blooded straight American male doesn't like strange girls
> > winking at him from time to time?
>
> When the pictures were in the skimpiest of bikinis, had the head cropped
> off, and started coming the month my wife died, I sure didn't appreciate it.

Pictures?

[Jolly Roger]

In article <tom_stiller-AE41...@news.individual.net>,

No biggie. : D

[Wes Groleau]

On 06-28-2012 23:23, Jolly Roger wrote:
> In article <jsit3b$cth$2...@dont-email.me>,
> Wes Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:
>
>> On 06-28-2012 11:24, Jolly Roger wrote:
>>> What hot-blooded straight American male doesn't like strange girls
>>> winking at him from time to time?
>>
>> When the pictures were in the skimpiest of bikinis, had the head cropped
>> off, and started coming the month my wife died, I sure didn't appreciate it.
>
> Pictures?

Facebook spam - not too much different from Skype spam or e-mail spam

[Wes Groleau]

On 06-28-2012 21:05, Lewis wrote:
> If you are int eh US you can forward the messages to 7726 (SPAM).
> T-mobile will automatically remove the charge from your bill. AT&T makes
> you call (which is proof what utter shitheads AT&T are). I have no idea

On AT&T, I forward to 7726.
In the SMS reply, they ask for the originating phone number.

[Howard Brazee]

My regular phone number gets spam too, but it is all political, as the
laws don't apply to politicians. If I get a phone call from Aspen (I
live near Denver), I know it's political spam.

[Savageduck]

On 2012-06-28 09:35:01 -0700, Lewis <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> said:

> In message <jollyroger-8AFE6...@news.individual.net>
> Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

>> In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
>> Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
>
>>> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
>>> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
>>>
>>> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
>>> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
>
>> I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
>> someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
>> doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
>> what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
>> D
>

> There are privacy setting in Skype, but maybe only int he desktop
> client. I had them set to only allow calls and messages to my skype name
> from contacts.
>
> I hate the current version of the Skype software so much that I've
> removed it from all my computers and iOS.

The current iOS version is OK!
However, I have banished the latest OSX version, Skype 5.8.0.865 and
reverted to Skype 2.8.0.866 on my Mac and my Macbook Pro 17.

Here is the functioning version 2.8.0.866 for desktop & laptop Macs.
< http://mac.oldapps.com/skype.php?old_skype=37 >

Regarding Skype spam, I seem to get a chat request from some bimbo who
believes that in her search for online companionship, I would be a
worthwhile target. Since I have restricted contact to those I actually
want to communicate with, I reject and block them.

I wish there was a better filter system for Skype, but I have no
expectation of any further support for Skype 2.8.0.866. I will only
update OSX Skype if the UI is improved and de-windowed, and the entire
program is improved to the point that an update would be compelling.


--
Regards,

Savageduck

[Savageduck]

On 2012-06-28 14:22:49 -0700, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> said:

> In article <tom_stiller-0D37...@news.individual.net>,
> Tom Stiller <tom_s...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> In article <dlgpu79i98dd88ive...@4ax.com>,
>> A1...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>> On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:47:07 -0700, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> In article <q6fnu71fmtm4ant47...@4ax.com>,
>>>> Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I have the Skype app but never have used it. I have it in case I am
>>>>> on a vacation somewhere without cellular access where there's wi-fi.
>>>>>
>>>>> But lately I have been getting Spam calls from my Skype app. Do
>>>>> others have the same problem? Is there a way to stop that spam?
>>>>
>>>> I don't get calls, but I do get an occasional spam text message from
>>>> someone claiming to be a strange girl interested in meeting me. It
>>>> doesn't happen often, and doesn't bother me much though. Hey. besides,
>>>> what guy doesn't like strange girls winking at him from time to time? :
>>>
>>> I for one object to these text messages. I get charged for each text
>>> message sent to me.
>>
>> which is why I have text messaging blocked on my phone.
>
> Skype text messages, or SMS text messages?

I get request to Chat, which is neither text message or SMS text. Skype
charges for outgoing SMS text.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

[Savageduck]

On 2012-06-29 07:04:13 -0700, Howard Brazee <how...@brazee.net> said:

> My regular phone number gets spam too, but it is all political, as the
> laws don't apply to politicians. If I get a phone call from Aspen (I
> live near Denver), I know it's political spam.

I no longer answer my landline because of political robot call spam.
The calls come in at two time periods, 8:30-10:00 AM and 05:00-07:30
PM. So for the last two years my answering machine screens my calls for
me.
My answering machine message is:
"You have reached 239-xxxx. I am not available right now. If you know
my cell phone number give that a try. If not, leave a message and I
will get back to you as soon a I can."

So far none of their machines has left my machine a message. Anybody
who really needs to contact me does so via cell phone, Skype, or
Facetime.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

[Kurt Ullman]

In article <201206291343148013-savageduck1@REMOVESPAMmecom>,

Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:

> My answering machine message is:
> "You have reached 239-xxxx. I am not available right now. If you know
> my cell phone number give that a try. If not, leave a message and I
> will get back to you as soon a I can."
>
> So far none of their machines has left my machine a message. Anybody
> who really needs to contact me does so via cell phone, Skype, or
> Facetime.

I still get some biz-related calls on landline (really the only reason
I keep it). However, if they want to talk to me they have a recognizable
name on caller ID or they go the voicemail.
--
America is at that awkward stage. It's too late
to work within the system, but too early to shoot
the bastards."-- Claire Wolfe

[Howard Brazee]

On Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:25:52 +0000 (UTC), Lewis
<g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:

>I am really pissed that I cannot put my mobile number on a do not call
>list that includes charities and political groups. I don't see why they
>should force me to pay for their solicitations. Sadly, unanswered calls
>that go to voice mail still count as 1 minute off your plan minutes.

I see why. The politicians spend most of their time and effort
raising money. Congressmen cross the street from their offices in
D.C. (where such bribery is illegal), and spend hours each day
begging. It's easier to get the money from Big Business than from
us, but they want every dollar they can get.

[nospam]

In article <jslh2g$n8l$3...@dont-email.me>, Lewis

<g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:

> I am really pissed that I cannot put my mobile number on a do not call
> list that includes charities and political groups. I don't see why they
> should force me to pay for their solicitations.

you can put a cellphone on the do not call list.

<https://www.donotcall.gov/>
You can register your home or mobile phone for free.

> Sadly, unanswered calls
> that go to voice mail still count as 1 minute off your plan minutes.

no they don't.

[Savageduck]

On 2012-06-29 17:25:52 -0700, Lewis <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> said:

> In message <201206291343148013-savageduck1@REMOVESPAMmecom>

> Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:

>> "You have reached 239-xxxx. I am not available right now. If you know
>> my cell phone number give that a try. If not, leave a message and I
>> will get back to you as soon a I can."
>

> "Please remove me from your call list. If your phone number is not in my
> address book and you do not leave a message, you will never reach a live
> person at this number."
>
> But that's the message on my cellphone. I never answer calls from
> unknown/blocked numbers and I almost never answer calls from numbers I
> don't recognize unless I am expecting a call from like a plumber or
> something.
>
> I disconnected my land line years ago and I don't miss it.

>
> I am really pissed that I cannot put my mobile number on a do not call
> list that includes charities and political groups. I don't see why they

> should force me to pay for their solicitations. Sadly, unanswered calls

> that go to voice mail still count as 1 minute off your plan minutes.

I found that being on the national no call list did nothing to stop
calls of a political nature. Then the calls from alleged charities seem
to have just bypassed the no call list, and even being totally negative
and obnoxious has not reduced the frequency of the calls. So I have
chosen not to interact with them in any way.
It seems my landline is a phone-Spam sponge. It takes the hits for my
cell phone as I still use that number for most contacts and form
entries when required. Only a select group has access to my mobile
number. As a result I get few to zero unwanted calls or text messages
on my iPhone.

Calls received on my landline are dealt with by my answering machine. I
then taken one of three actions;
1, I either ignore the non-call, or I am ignorant of it ever happening
as the robot, auto-dial calls seldom leave a message;
2, a legitimate caller, or a desperate political lobbyist will leave a
message which I can respond to or just clear,
...or 3, I can pickup on a valid caller if I am nearby.

I find that some nagging apps can be every bit as annoying as spam, so
I turn off notifications for many of the most annoying offenders.

Things are relatively peaceful on my various communication devices.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

[nospam]

In article <2012062918430623865-savageduck1@REMOVESPAMmecom>,

Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:

> I found that being on the national no call list did nothing to stop
> calls of a political nature.

they're exempt.

> Then the calls from alleged charities seem
> to have just bypassed the no call list, and even being totally negative
> and obnoxious has not reduced the frequency of the calls. So I have
> chosen not to interact with them in any way.

what i do is use google voice to block the number. the caller hears
'this number is not in service' with the sit tones, which causes
automated dialers to mark the number as dead so it falls off the
spammer lists. they're not going to waste their time calling
disconnected numbers.

another cool thing about google voice is it has spam filtering, which
if enabled, will automatically route known spammers to voicemail rather
than ring the phone, so even before i block the number, they don't
bother me.

the only drawback is that some spammers don't have valid caller id or
they have huge blocks of numbers that makes it impossible to block all
possibilities.

nevertheless, it has *dramatically* reduced the number of solicitation
calls i get.

[Howard Brazee]

On Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:43:06 -0700, Savageduck
<savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:

>I found that being on the national no call list did nothing to stop
>calls of a political nature. Then the calls from alleged charities seem
>to have just bypassed the no call list, and even being totally negative
>and obnoxious has not reduced the frequency of the calls. So I have
>chosen not to interact with them in any way.
>It seems my landline is a phone-Spam sponge.

Being in a swing state hurts this.

[nospam]

In article <michelle-9F8C29...@news.eternal-september.org>,

Michelle Steiner <mich...@michelle.org> wrote:

> > > Sadly, unanswered calls
> > > that go to voice mail still count as 1 minute off your plan minutes.
> >
> > no they don't.
>

> When you listen to them, they do.

only if you check voicemail from the cellphone because it's an actual
call. if you check it from a landline, there is no charge.

[Wayne C. Morris]

In article <290620121753411236%nos...@nospam.invalid>,

nospam <nos...@nospam.invalid> wrote:

> In article <jslh2g$n8l$3...@dont-email.me>, Lewis
> <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:
>
> > I am really pissed that I cannot put my mobile number on a do not call
> > list that includes charities and political groups. I don't see why they
> > should force me to pay for their solicitations.
>
> you can put a cellphone on the do not call list.
>
> <https://www.donotcall.gov/>
> You can register your home or mobile phone for free.

Lewis said "... that includes charities and political groups".

The US National Do Not Call Registry does not apply to charities, political
groups, or people conducting surveys. See items 28, 29, and 30 at:

<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt107.shtm>

[Howard]

Lewis <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:

> I hate the current version of the Skype software so much that I've
> removed it from all my computers and iOS.

Like millions of others I stick with v2.8

Howard