Whether they are drawn by the free Internet phone calls or seek to take advantage of the program's other features, such as Instant Messaging (IM) and video conferencing, Skype has generated a large following of loyal users ever since its inception in 2003. But one of the unfortunate downsides to the program (as with many Internet-based services) is the proliferation of spam and other unscrupulous "offers."
These unsolicited messages are annoying at best; at worst they can hinder productivity (if the service is being used for business purposes) and expose unsuspecting users (especially underage ones) to inappropriate images and ideas.
Are There Ways to Block Spam in Skype?
Fortunately, there are several ways to stop Skype spam solicitations from accessing a user account. A user can stop Skype spam by either declining chat requests, blocking specific Skype users, changing the privacy settings, and finally changing the user status. Below is an explanation on how to use these methods to avoid spammers when using Skype.
How to Decline Chats from Strangers in Skype
In order to stop an unwanted chat request via IM or telephone, one can simply decline to continue. When the spammer tries to make contact, a pop-up window will appear. The user can then press the "decline" button located in the pop-up menu. This is a temporary fix, however, since persistent spammers have been known to repeat the request over and over again.
How to Block a Specific Skype User in Contacts
Skype users also have the option of blocking a specific Skype user from sending unsolicited messages. One can do this by clicking on the "Contacts" tab located on the left side in the middle section of the Skype window. To block any of the contacts listed, the user should right-click on the contact name and choose "Block this User" from the options that appear. To remove a person from the Contacts list one can click on the option box in the same window.
How to Prevent Strangers from Sending Messages in Skype
To stop total strangers from sending spam on Skype, one can change the privacy settings. A user can go to the "tools" section in Skype and choose the "privacy" tab. In this section the account holder can choose to click on the button that will allow chats only from those people who are in the user's contact list. This means that a user will not receive instant messages from someone who has not been added to the friends/contact list.
Another way to stop Skype spammers from sending messages is to change the user status. To do this one should first make sure that the user status bar is showing in the bottom of the Skype window. (If it's not, then it can be activated by clicking on the "view" tab above and checking " View Status Bar."
Clicking on the arrow will reveal a user's options:
- "Skype Me" mode: Choose this option to remove this option to prevent non-contacts from sending messages either by calling or chatting.
- "Away" or "Not Available" mode: This allows others to send chat requests or calls, but all contact attempts are held until the user changes the status.
- "Do Not Disturb" mode: By choosing this option, those who attempt to make contact can receive a message stating that the user does not want to be disturbed at this time.
In short, there are several actions that a Skype user can take to stop Skype spam from infiltrating an account. In doing so, users can make a good service that much more enjoyable to use.
Susan Brown - Susie Brown is a small business consultant and freelance writer specializing in business and personal finance.
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