I just received the following message through skype. Before I act on it, how can I determine whether or not it is legit, or just some sort of hoax? Thanks. _____________________________ ****************************************** URGENT SYSTEM SCAN NOTIFICATION ! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY !! http://www.updatesoft.org/ For the link to become active, please click on 'Add to contacts' skype button or type it in manually into your web browser ! FULL DETAILS OF SCAN RESULT BELOW ****************************************** WINDOWS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION ATTENTION ! Security Center has detected malware on your computer ! Affected Software: Microsoft Windows Vista Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Impact of Vulnerability: Remote Code Execution / Virus Infection / Unexpected shutdowns Recommendation: Users running vulnerable version should install a repair utility immediately Your system IS affected, download the patch from the address below ! Failure to do so may result in severe computer malfunction. http://www.updatesoft.org/ For the link to become active, please click on 'Add to contacts' skype button or type it in manually into your web browser !3 people need an answerI do too

Let me clarify for you. I just got the same message, verbatim - including the assurance "Your system IS affected". Except I'm on a Macintosh Mini, right now. So, yeah, this is a hoax. Do not follow this link. I would also suggest that with the "Online Notification" (That is the name of the user account) window open with the message, click the More button, it has a gear on it, and select "Block". A window will pop up that reads "Are you sure you want to block Online Notification (online.notification.america7)? They will be blocked in your Contact list and they won't be able to contact you". Click the button that says "Block". Eventually, you'll get the same message from online.notification.america8. Aren't spammers great?

Yep, I can verify this. I'm on CrunchBang Linux and I got this same exact message. Definitely spam.

Thank you so much for the advice! I passed it on to all my Skype friends. I HATE SPAM!!!! :)