I have recently become aware of a new type of scam, targeting Skype users. The victim would receive a Skype call from a bogus IT help desk account, offering help in dealing with various security threats (virus infection, spyware, malware etc.) These callers also claim that you have a virus. The caller could ask you to visit to certain websites, or to download malicious software.
There is however a simple Skype setting which could greatly increase your online privacy and protect you against this particular threat. In the Skype main window, go to Tools / Options. Under Privacy Settings, select “Allow calls from people in my Contact list only”.
This will allow only people you personally know and trust to call you on Skype.