Has anyone received a message, claiming to be from Skype, offering upgrades to include voice recording and other features. I have received three of these messages in the past couple of days, which is a sure sign it is a scam, but if you are in any doubt here are some obvious clues.
From Address – the email is from skyp@egroupbusiness.com. You have to ask yourself why Skype support would be emailing from an unrelated domain, rather than from Skype.com. And if you visit egroupbusiness.com you are presented with a privacy policy and a few other pages relating to terms and conditions and CAN-SPAM Act Compliance. Nothing about what the business does or its relationship with Skype.
Salutation – no username. Most companies will include your username or real name in the greeting line to show they know who you are, although American Express insists on sending messages to “Cardmember”.
Links – all links point to skype-upgrade-2010.com. Why would skype use another unrelated domain rather than Skype.com?
Grammar – although Skype is based in a non-English speaking country, the English in this message smacks of bad translation. My corrections are in parentheses.
“This is to notify (you) that new VoIP…”
“Much cheaper than Calling Card(s)…”
“If you have any question(s), please…”
So unless you want to give away your personal details or download some new and interesting spyware, don’t click on the link in the email. Delete it immediately, and while you’re at it, delete any messages asking you to upgrade your Adobe Acrobat Reader (another scam I’ve received recently).
I’ve copied the full text of the message below.
Dear valued Skype users,
This is to notify that new VoIP and Conversation Recording addons have been released for Skype.
http://www.skype-upgrade-2010.com
Following are major new features:
– Talk more for free via Voice Over IP (VoIP)
– Lower cost when connecting to landlines (much cheaper than Calling Card)
– Record your conversation (better than telephone quality)
– Instant messaging & file-sharing, video calls
– Now available on PSP!
To check your current version and upgrade, go to Skype Support Center at
http://www.skype-upgrade-2010.com
Skype has changed the way we think of telecommunications.
If you have any question, please contact us at : support@skype-upgrade-2010.com.
Thank you and enjoy.
Alex Vandesa
Skype Support Center
