Showing considerable resourcefulness in their attempt to trick Internet users, fake AV peddlers have begun targeting Skype users with an unexpected call.

"Attention: this is an automated computer system alert. Your computer protection service is not active. To activate computer protection, and repair your computer, go to [LINK]," says the robotic voice during a prerecorded message.

The offered link takes the most gullible and curious ones to a page that shows the typical "Computer protection inactive. Scanning… Viruses found!" message that is meant to convince them to fork over a decent amount of money - in this case, $19.95 - in order to get the offered protection.

Not content with the money, they also ask for their personal information:


Sophos points out that to prevent these kinds of calls or any other unsolicited Skype call you must simply change your account's privacy settings so that only your contacts are allowed to call you.