I really really don't trust Skype

[Larry Peterson]

About 2 months ago my Skype account was hacked and charges were made to my credit card and calls were made all over the universe - mostly to/from the middle east.

I cancelled my account and disputed the charges which were removed and I got my money back.

I thought all was well until today when I got the following email:

Hi there Larry Peterson,


We've delivered your purchase
Thanks for making your purchase through Skype. We're happy to confirm your payment.
So now what?

You should be able to start using your purchase immediately. However, in some cases, you may have to wait up to an hour for it to be activated. If you're still having problems, visit our help section.

Here are your purchase details:

Skype Name: removed by me.
Product name: Online Number Free Extension (+1 570 704 5662)
Total amount: EUR0.00
Transaction date: 30-12-2010 19:19
Order number: 441155823
Order status: Delivered
View your purchase history


Save time with PayPal Auto-recharge

Save time when buying Skype products - speed through your purchase using PayPal. Automatically recharge your Skype Credit balance with Auto-recharge.
Talk soon,
The people at Skype

It appears that someone hacked my cancelled account and tried to make a charge. It looks like it wasn't successful but still....

I just emailed Skype to find out how this is possible and told them to completely delete me from their records - good luck with that. Since my account is cancelled, I can't log in to see what has happened.

If any of you are using Skype, you should consider alternatives. I have been using Google for making calls. Unlike Skype, Google I trust.

I am nervous and p1$$ed.

I will update this when, and if, Skype responds.

 

[Larry Peterson]

BTW, before anyone suggests that I get a landline or use my cell phone---

I don't want or need a landline - or the expense of one.

I am very hard of hearing and the only way I can hear at all is using a circumaural headphone that completely covers both ears so background noise is eliminated. And not a cheap one either.

I can't find these for a cell phone with 3.5mm jack so my cell phone is only for emergencies. They are available for USB. Actually making/receiving calls is the last thing I use my Android for. In fact I never answer my cell phone unless I know the caller and most callers know to text/email me.

BTW, if anyone knows of circumaural headphones available with a 3.5mm jack, let me know.

No Bluetooth, ear buds or other headsets. They don't work for me.

 

[Carl-Heinz]

I have Skype on my computer but I only use it instead of IM to video chat with immediatel family. I personally prefer to use via Talk which is a VoIP system and very reasonable, for a low annual fee I have unlimited calls and two outgoing lines per system. with VoIP Ii have a presence in several markets that feels local. I use Ring Central for my FAX and my toll-free number annd again I only have a small annual fee.

 

[Mike Labbe]

What a birthday present!

I use SKYPE for all my international calls. it's about 1.7 cents per minute to most countries. It ties in directly to the Droid phone transparently, so I can make or receive calls from landlines or from computers with Skype. It rings in the normal way, and goes to the phone's voicemail if I don't answer. I haven't had this problem.

Did you try logging in at www.skype.com to make sure this email was legitimate, and not just some kind of phishing hoax? Was the password you used unique for just Skype? Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail accounts are getting hacked like crazy lately, and the hacker will often try the same email and password combination at places like SKYPE, credit cards/banks, etc.

Did you give your skype login & pw info to any third parties lately, such as third party IM or smartphone programs, which connect to the Skype network? Some of these are outside of USA, and are not necessarily trustworthy.

That sounds like a real PIA, but I doubt it was Skype's fault. They are probably a victim, just as you are. Skype should be able to see the IP address used, to know the likely source/location of the problem. This can help see if it was from China, or from someone who have been remotely controlling your PC and using the saved passwords and credit card info.

It may even be a good idea to run a free www.malwarebytes.org scan, to make sure the pc is free of "key loggers". Keyloggers can capture/harvest your login, password, credit cards, browsing habits, and send them off secretly to a third party. It may not be this, but it doesn't hurt to scan and get a second opinion about the computer's security.

I hope that Skype able to help resolve it

Mike

PS: I hope this doesn't sound like a lecture, i'm just passing along some possible reasons that something like this could happen twice.

 

[Larry Peterson]

What a birthday present!

Did you try logging in at www.skype.com to make sure this email was legitimate, and not just some kind of phishing hoax? Was the password you used unique for just Skype? Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail accounts are getting hacked like crazy lately, and the hacker will often try the same email and password combination at places like SKYPE, credit cards/banks, etc.

Can't login because I have cancelled my account. The email was legitimate with all the appropriate correct headers from Skype.

Did you give your skype login & pw info to any third parties lately

Nope

It may even be a good idea to run a free www.malwarebytes.org scan

I do this regularly along with Spybot, Adaware and AVG Internet Security.

I hope this doesn't sound like a lecture, i'm just passing along some possible reasons that something like this could happen twice.

I keep myself well protected at all times.

 

[Larry Peterson]

The strangest thing about this whole mess is how someone accessed an account that was cancelled. I can't log in so how was some else able to. The email had my user name and email correct - and it was an email address that I use for very little.

I have asked Skype to totally shred my virtual records - not that I expect them to do that.

 

[Peter Odems]

Weird story. My opinion is that they used spyware in your PC to get info or mirroring your entry into Skype......

 

[Larry Peterson]

Here is what Skype had to say today. Text in Red is my comments. Remember that I closed this account in November.


Hello Larry,

Thank you for contacting Skype Customer Service.

We understand that your account is already blocked but you've received an email that an order was delivered. We will be more than happy to explain this to you.

We have checked your account and found out that the order number that was delivered was the free extension of your Online Number. Due to the system interruption that happened last Dec 22, Skype proactively sent out free extension of Online Numbers for our eligible customers. Furthermore, your account was blocked due to a recent chargeback.

Huh? What does this mean.

We understand from your recent request that, sadly, you would like to have your Skype account deleted. We can do this for you. However, due to the ever increasing risk of online fraud, (what about the fraud that caused me to close the account???)and Skype’s desire to keep each of its customer's online IDs secure, we must verify each user’s identity before we can proceed with any account deletion requests.

To complete the verification process we will need the following information about the last purchase you made from your Skype account. You can send us this information by replying to this email.

Please bear in mind that if you used a PayPal account to fund this account, then you cannot use the same PayPal account to fund a new Skype account once your existing account has been deleted. You would need to open a new PayPal account to do this. Also, this action cannot be reversed and you will not be able to use the same username that was used on the account you wish to have closed.

I thought my account was already closed

To complete the verification and proceed with the deletion of your account, we will need the following information about your Skype purchase(s):

1. An approximate date for the last purchase made from your Skype account. You can find this either on your credit or debit card statement, or on the confirmation email that was sent to you after the purchase was made.
2. The order number of the last purchase you made from your Skype account, which can also be found on your confirmation email.
3. The payment method or credit or debit card type you used to make your last purchase.
4. The email address that you registered your account with.

Or if you used PayPal or Moneybookers, then we will need:

1. The email address you used to register with either PayPal or Moneybookers.
2. The PayPal or Moneybookers transaction ID.

We are very sorry to hear that you no longer wish to use Skype to communicate with the world. If at any time you change your mind and want to return to Skype you can register a new Skype ID at:
www.skype.com





We look forward to your response, so we can assist you further.





Best regards,



Name Removed
Skype Customer Service

 

[Peter Odems]

Hmm... reaction looks the same as you get with questioning Paypal. They do everything to avoid problems for themselves....

 

[Pat Murphey]

...BTW, if anyone knows of circumaural headphones available with a 3.5mm jack, let me know.

No Bluetooth, ear buds or other headsets. They don't work for me.

Have you looked at noise cancelling headphones like the Bose Quiet Comfort line? If they aren't 3.5mm, plug adapters are easy to get. They are lighter and more comfortable than circumaural and remarkably effective for the price. Their aviation brethren run to well over $1,000.

 

[Ray Bragg]

I know this is differant but it is very similar. I just recently recieved a notice from an Insurance company where I had canceled my policy more than 7 years ago that a Dr. had filed a claim against that policy for someone( supposdly me) who had visited him in Oct of this year. Not only was the claim for exactly the right policy number but they had my social and street address. The Drs. office was in a town more than 150 miles from my address. Now the Drs. office is saying they have no record of my supposed visit. Sounds mighty fishey to me!!!!!

 

[daleeper]

BTW, before anyone suggests that I get a landline or use my cell phone---

I don't want or need a landline - or the expense of one.

I am very hard of hearing and the only way I can hear at all is using a circumaural headphone that completely covers both ears so background noise is eliminated. And not a cheap one either.

I can't find these for a cell phone with 3.5mm jack so my cell phone is only for emergencies. They are available for USB. Actually making/receiving calls is the last thing I use my Android for. In fact I never answer my cell phone unless I know the caller and most callers know to text/email me.

BTW, if anyone knows of circumaural headphones available with a 3.5mm jack, let me know.

No Bluetooth, ear buds or other headsets. They don't work for me.

There are loads of them available with a 3.5mm jack, or adapter to that size. Maybe you are needing the 2.5mm jack that is on some phones and MP3 players, and there are adapters to take 3.5mm down to 2.5mm, but I have not always had luck getting them to work properly. Are you needing the mic on the headset also? If you do, then that limits the selection, but still out there. Look at the selection Sennheiser has. Sony and other quality headsets are available.

Just to get you started, newegg has gaming headsets with the 3.5mm. Fullcompass has a wide range of headsets with 3.5mm from ones designed for vop, to pro quality broadcast headsets with prices to match.

I would be glad to help you further if needed.

Sorry about your account highjacking. This type of thing has prevented me from banking online, and I would really like to utilize some of those features.

 

[Bill Henry-]

I know this is differant but it is very similar. I just recently recieved a notice from an Insurance company where I had canceled my policy more than 7 years ago that a Dr. had filed a claim against that policy for someone( supposdly me) who had visited him in Oct of this year. Not only was the claim for exactly the right policy number but they had my social and street address. The Drs. office was in a town more than 150 miles from my address. Now the Drs. office is saying they have no record of my supposed visit. Sounds mighty fishey to me!!!!!

Sounds to me like the doctor was trying some kind of insurance fraud, but got caught. I wonder how many other claim submissions he has had against your policy in the last 7 years? It might be interesting to contact your old carrier to find out.

 

[Larry Peterson]

Have you looked at noise cancelling headphones like the Bose Quiet Comfort line? If they aren't 3.5mm, plug adapters are easy to get. They are lighter and more comfortable than circumaural and remarkably effective for the price. Their aviation brethren run to well over $1,000.

No microphone. Nice headset for music but no use for making phone calls. See my next post about 3.5mm adapters.

 

[Larry Peterson]

There are loads of them available with a 3.5mm jack, or adapter to that size. Are you needing the mic on the headset also? If you do, then that limits the selection, but still out there. Look at the selection Sennheiser has. Sony and other quality headsets are available.

Just to get you started, newegg has gaming headsets with the 3.5mm. Fullcompass has a wide range of headsets with 3.5mm from ones designed for vop, to pro quality broadcast headsets with prices to match.

Microphone is absolutely required. Hard to make phone calls without them.

I tried gaming headsets before. Many do come with 3.5mm jacks. The problem is that there are TWO of them on all the headsets I looked at; one for the microphone and one for the headset. I cobbled together a jerry-rigged adapter to combine the two jacks into 1 which you can see in the following image.

I tried this with a gaming headset. It worked but barely. There were two many physical connections and the audio output was fragile and inconsistent.

I took a look at what newegg has now and there are a couple that look like they might have only a single 3.5mm jack. Will check them out further.

Here is one that was worthless.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iFrogz+-+Vertex+Headphones+with+Microphone+-+Red/1291069.p?id=1218247967749&skuId=1291069&st=vertex&cp=1&lp=2

It had a single 3.5mm jack but there was no feedback when you are speaking. When you are talking it sounds like you are talking into a dead phone. I started out life as a Telephone Engineer and one of the things I remember is that headset design in the 1800s was changed to provide feedback when talking. Customers in the 1800s couldn't stand a phone without feed back. 2010 and they are selling something that wouldn't be accepted in the 1800s. This is a music headset with a mic thrown on as an afterthought.

So to recap here is what I need.

1. A circumaural headset that completely covers both ears.
2. One 3.5mm jack - not two.
3. A microphone
4. The mic must provide feedback when speaking.

Any links to headsets that met these criteria is welcome. Budget is $100 or thereabouts. I have spent a lot more than that trying to find something that works. And I need two of them. They are too big to carry around so I need one for home and one for the shop.

For the moment, I'm using a USB headset on my computer with Google Talk. Would be nice to finally find something decent for my cell phone.

 

[Larry Peterson]

Just spent some time going through all the gaming headsets on newegg with 3.5mm jacks. As before all of them either had TWO 3.5mm jacks or the specifications didn't bother to say whether there were one jacks or two. It must be assumed in those cases that there are two jacks. Worthless for a cell phone.

 

[Mike Labbe]

Here is what Skype had to say today.

...We understand that your account is already blocked but you've received an email that an order was delivered. We will be more than happy to explain this to you.

We have checked your account and found out that the order number that was delivered was the free extension of your Online Number. Due to the system interruption that happened last Dec 22, Skype proactively sent out free extension of Online Numbers for our eligible customers. Furthermore, your account was blocked due to a recent chargeback.

Huh? What does this mean.

They had an outage earlier this week, and they were 80% down for almost a day. It has been all over the news this week. It was due to a bug in the new version of their software which was overloading their super nodes. They issued a credit to every account, as an apology for the service interruption. (most people were given 30 minutes of free calling, I believe. At least that's what I received...)

Why they tried to apply it to a frozen/locked account makes no sense, but I'm just answering your question about what they meant.

Here is the apology email that I received, which explains in greater detail.

To our valued customers:

As 2010 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for your patience, understanding, and support during Skype’s recent outage.

We know how important your Skype conversations are to you and we take any disruption to our service very seriously. We are pleased to confirm that Skype is back to normal allowing you to connect with friends, co-workers, family and loved ones.

As a valued customer of Skype, we would like to offer you a sincere apology and offer you our gratitude with a credit voucher worth a call of more than 30 minutes to a landline in some of our most popular countries, such as USA, UK, Germany, China, Japan. Or spend it however you like on Skype.

To redeem your voucher:

1. Go to skype.com/go/voucher
2. Enter your Skype username and password
3. Enter your unique voucher code and click redeem


Voucher code ***blocked out mike's personal voucher code***

Thank you for allowing us at Skype to be a part of your life. May your holidays and the New Year be a time of joy, peace, and health for you and your family.

If you require any additional information please visit http://blogs.skype.com/en/2010/12/.

Kind regards,

Tony Bates
CEO
Skype

 

[Larry Peterson]

They had an outage earlier this week, and they were 80% down for almost a day. It has been all over the news this week. It was due to a bug in the new version of their software which was overloading their super nodes. They issued a credit to every account, as an apology for the service interruption. (most people were given 30 minutes of free calling, I believe. At least that's what I received...)

Why they tried to apply it to a frozen/locked account makes no sense, but I'm just answering your question about what they meant.

Here is the apology email that I received, which explains in greater detail.

OK, that makes a little more sense. As long as I wasn't re-hacked I don't care about their trying to apply a credit to my closed account.

 

[Jim3535]

Many do come with 3.5mm jacks. The problem is that there are TWO of them on all the headsets I looked at; one for the microphone and one for the headset. I cobbled together a jerry-rigged adapter to combine the two jacks into 1 which you can see in the following image.

I'm not sure about the feedback thing. I can't say I have ever heard of it advertised for headsets.

I am guessing that all the gaming headsets have two connectors because all soundcards have separate connectors for headphones and microphones.

Have you looked into an adapter like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Headset-Buddy...ref=acc_glance_e_ai_purchase_similarities_t_1

 

[Larry Peterson]

I'm not sure about the feedback thing. I can't say I have ever heard of it advertised for headsets.

I am guessing that all the gaming headsets have two connectors because all soundcards have separate connectors for headphones and microphones.

Have you looked into an adapter like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Headset-Buddy...ref=acc_glance_e_ai_purchase_similarities_t_1

Not quite. That one is a 3.5 to 2.5 adapater but their companion product (http://www.amazon.com/Headset-Buddy...Blackberry/dp/B002SK66OY/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b ) which is dual 3.5 to single 3.5 is EXACTLY what I need. This adapter does exactly the same as the conglomeration in my picture. I looked all over the universe for this several months ago when I first built my adapter. I will be ordering it and give it a go. Thanks for finding that.

 

[BusterBart]

I read last week that when you use Skype, you implicitly allow them to use your PC as a Supernode. Which may or may not (according to them) slow your PC down. There is a way to stop this. it is buried in their website.

 

[daleeper]

Microphone is absolutely required. Hard to make phone calls without them.



It had a single 3.5mm jack but there was no feedback when you are speaking. When you are talking it sounds like you are talking into a dead phone. I started out life as a Telephone Engineer and one of the things I remember is that headset design in the 1800s was changed to provide feedback when talking. Customers in the 1800s couldn't stand a phone without feed back. 2010 and they are selling something that wouldn't be accepted in the 1800s. This is a music headset with a mic thrown on as an afterthought.

So to recap here is what I need.

1. A circumaural headset that completely covers both ears.
2. One 3.5mm jack - not two.
3. A microphone
4. The mic must provide feedback when speaking.

Any links to headsets that met these criteria is welcome. Budget is $100 or thereabouts. I have spent a lot more than that trying to find something that works. And I need two of them. They are too big to carry around so I need one for home and one for the shop.

For the moment, I'm using a USB headset on my computer with Google Talk. Would be nice to finally find something decent for my cell phone.

Thanks for the additional information. I think I understand the "feedback" feature, but I am wondering if that would be dependent on the phone itself rather than the headset? On computers, this feature is dependant on whether the sound card is half or full duplex, not sure the cell phone will do that. I will keep looking though.

 

[Larry Peterson]

Thanks for the additional information. I think I understand the "feedback" feature, but I am wondering if that would be dependent on the phone itself rather than the headset? On computers, this feature is dependant on whether the sound card is half or full duplex, not sure the cell phone will do that. I will keep looking though.

Its the headset not the phone. Other headsets that I have used have normal feedback. Full duplex (has feedback/echo) and half duplex (no feedback/echo) are the correct terms.

For those that aren't sure what I am talking about here; if you talk into a phone and can't hear yourself while talking it is a very disconcerting feeling. You all have talked into a 'dead' phone from time to time. You speak, don't hear yourself, and they start saying ... 'is anyone there??'

Next time you talk on a phone; cell phone or land line; listen for yourself. You don't realize it but you can hear yourself talk. That's the feedback/echo from the phone. When you don't hear yourself, the conversation becomes very awkward for you. Try it and see.

 

[Jay H]

I'm mostly deaf in one ear and trying to protect what hearing I have in the other. I play guitar alot and about 6 hours a week in front of a screaming monitor was killing my ears. I got custom ear moulds and never looked back. I don't know of any with a mic but as far as sound quality and noise filtering there is nothing like em. It seems like I paid in the $400 range. Now I can play for hours and hours with amazingly clear high quality sound and don't have ringing that lasts for days afterward.

Another added benefit is that sound techs are always harping on stage volume. With ear monitors, I can get the mix exactly how I want it without all the protests from sound know-it-alls.

They may not fit your needs perfectly. But if you could make em work, it may go a long way toward solving your problems. It took me a while to get used to them but once I did it would be difficult to going without.