This article explains why you or your contacts may automatically send links or photos to your contacts. This may occur when you are offline or you or your contact are not signed in to Messenger.

Some examples include:

• Links to take an IQ quiz
• Click to win a prize
• Links directing users to dating sites

There could be a virus or malware in your system.

Sometimes, you or your contacts may receive messages containing suspicious links. The links appear to have been sent by you, or one or more of your contacts, but were actually sent by a malicious third party. Please do not click these links or download the associated ".EXE" files.

Remember, we strongly recommend that you never click suspicious links or download executable files sent from anyone, including your contacts. Also, keep in mind that we are constantly working to identify and take down any sites that are the destination of these links.

To remove and prevent further infection, please click one of the links below to download free antivirus software:

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• AVG Antivirus
• avast! Antivirus
• Avira AntiVir Personal Antivirus
• Trend Micro HouseCall

Install the antivirus software and then scan your system.

We also recommend keeping your computer up-to-date by visiting Windows Update.

Click here for more information about viruses and spyware.

IMPORTANT: After following the above steps, reset your password. This will also help in securing your account.

To change your Yahoo! account password from within Yahoo! Messenger:

1. Select Messenger | My Account Info. The "Sign in to Yahoo!" window opens.
2. Enter your current password in the Password field and click Sign In. The "Account Info" page opens.
3. Click the Change your password link. The "Change your Yahoo! Password" window opens.
4. Type your current password in the Current Password field.
5. Type your new password in the New Password field.
6. Retype the new password on the last field.
7. Click Save.

If you are experiencing other unusual behavior from Yahoo! Messenger or your Yahoo! Account, you may also find additional help in the article "What to do if your account is sending spam."

If you continue to receive these links, click the Contact Yahoo! button on the right side of this page for further assistance.

NOTE: If you believe those links are coming from someone in your messenger list, please ask them to follow the above-listed steps. This will help us to prevent this virus from spreading.