How to Fix Bots in Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo! has been connecting people by providing a free, Web-based instant messaging service since the late 1990s. Unfortunately, it has also provided advertisers and junk mailers with a ready audience for SPIM. According to Yahoo!, SPIM is the instant messaging equivalent of SPAM emails. Frequent users call the usernames that produce SPIM "bots." SPIM interrupts your chat experience and can include harmful links and offensive content. There is no way to prevent SPIM, but blocking individual offenders will prevent certain bots from contacting you.

Things You'll Need

• Yahoo! Messenger
• Computer
• Internet access

Instructions

Chatroom

1. Identify a "bot" by its username. Bots will repeatedly post messages relating to visiting outside websites or pornography. SPIM may also appear to be gibberish or a foreign language.

2. Right-click the username in the list at the right of the chat room window.

3. Select "Ignore."

4. Repeat as bots are noticed. Advise other users to follow suit.

Private Message

1. Open the PM by clicking the tab on the taskbar. Find the taskbar at the bottom of your screen; each PM is labeled with the name of your chat companion.

2. Press the gray "Report Spam" button at the top of the PM window.

3. Verify that you wish to report the user and block them. Press "OK" to confirm and close the chat window.

Tips & Warnings

• Reporting SPIM bots is quick and helps Yahoo! to provide better service.

• If you believe your account is being used to create SPIM, change your password and contact Yahoo! for help.

• Do not click on links or accept private messages from unknown senders.

References

• Yahoo! Help: I Received SPIM
• The Washington Post: Banich Junk Mail