Paid-for Skype scam warning

Scammers are advertising and charging for Skype - a service that is available for free.

Skype is an internet-based voice-calling system that lets you ring friends and family across the world over the web. It's completely free to download and provides Skype-to-Skype calls, which are also free.

The scam lures people in by offering them links to get a Skype upgrade or Skype add-ons. Clicking on one of these links takes you to a sign-up page that adds you to a mailing list, then asks which payment option you'd like.

It offers 'flat fee' memberships, starting from £1.27 a month, plus an 'award wininng audio recorder for only £7.95'. You can't continue unless you choose a payment option and then put in your credit card details.

Their disclaimer does state: "Membership is for unlimited access to our site's resources. We provide an organised website with links to third party freeware and shareware software, technical support, tutorials and step by step guides."

Security expert Christopher Boyd of Sunbelt Software warned: "Skype is free to download. You don't need to go through third parties or sign up to spam, and you certainly don't need to pay to download the program."

"Don't get caught out by sites asking for cash in return for what should be free downloads," he continued.