Bot or Virus?

[AmericanWoman]

I finally got a reply from WLM customer support. Short of the settings specifically for WLM, I scanned, changed my PW, ETC. So if anyone recieves any of these ads please accept my appoligies as I'm doing all I can to remedy it.

Here's what they sent me:

Cindi, we have received a number of reports similar to what you are experiencing right now and as a result of our investigation, these messages can either be a virus that spreads when you click on the link or malicious software that asks you to enter your information, like password and username. Either way, a computer infected with these may continue to spread the infection by sending copies of the virus to contacts on the IM contact list.

We will forward the URL of the link you sent to our Product specialist to ensure that it will be included in the links that will be blocked in Windows Live Messenger.

For the meantime, I would also like to suggest the following:

1. Reset the password as soon as possible.
a. Visit http://account.live.com, and then sign in using your Windows Live ID and your password.
b. Under Password reset information, click Change next to Password.
c. Verify that the e-mail address in the Windows Live ID field is correct, and then type your old password in the Old password box.
d. Type and retype a new password.

If you need help in resetting your password, contact the Windows Live Department by visiting http://Support.live.com and then click Windows Live ID.

2. Run a FREE full spyware / virus scan at http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm or use your own anti-spyware/anti-virus program. Please take note that some anti-virus programs cannot detect newer viruses if it's not updated.

If the issue persists, you may also contact our Product Support Services in North America for help with security update issues or viruses at no charge by calling the PC Safety line at 1-866-PCSAFETY

To prevent this from happening again, you may enable the following options while using Windows Live Messenger.

3. Only people on my Allow list can see my status and send me messages.
a. On the Tools menu, click Options.
b. Click the Privacy tab.
c. Check the option - Only people on my Allow list can see my status and send me messages
d. Click Ok to close the window.

4. Disable the links in Windows Live Messenger:
a. On the Tools menu, click Options.
b. Click the Security tab.
c. Clear the Allow links in conversation window check box.
d. Click Ok to close the window.

If this information does not resolve or apply to the issue that you have submitted then please reply to this email and include any additional information that you feel may be helpful in resolving your issue.

Thank you for contacting Windows Live Messenger Abuse Support. Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Dawn
Windows Live Messenger Abuse Support