Messaging spam

Messaging spam, sometimes called SPIM, is a type of spam where the target is instant messaging services.

The increase in messaging spam may be motivated by its rise in popularity as well as the many steps to crack down on spamming since the late 1990s.

Instant Messaging applications

Instant messaging (IM) systems, such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, MSN Messenger and ICQ, are popular targets for spammers. Many IM systems offer a directory of users, including demographic information such as age and sex. Advertisers can gather this information, sign on to the system, and send unsolicited messages.

Using privacy options to guard against messaging spam

To combat SPIM, many users choose to receive IMs only from people already on their contact list.

• With Yahoo Messenger, users can click Messenger -> Preferences -> Ignore List and check the box "Ignore anyone who is not on my Messenger List."
• With AOL's Instant Messenger, or AIM, users can click My AIM -> Edit Options -> Edit Preferences -> Privacy and check "Allow only users on my buddy list"
• With MSN Messenger, users can click Tools -> Options -> Privacy and check the box "Only people on my Allow List can see my status and send me messages"

If you send someone you know an instant message, and they do not respond, it may be because they do not yet have you in their messenger's allow list. Ask the user to add you to their allow list first.

Windows messaging spam

In 2002, a number of spammers have begun using the Microsoft Windows Messaging service to get their message across. This isn't the same as the IM system "Windows Messenger"; rather, it is a function of Windows designed to allow servers to send alerts to administrator workstations. Windows Messaging spam appears as normal dialog boxes containing the spammer's message. Windows Messaging spam can be delivered using any NetBIOS port, so to block it at a firewall entails closing down ports 135 through 139, and 445.