Migrating to new Skype id + importing 1200+ contac...

Question

Hello,
I am new here to the forums however a long time Skype user. I recently ran into an issue which at first I thought would have been a minor infraction (mainly from my misinterpretation of bulk contact requests) but now has snowballed into a big problem.
I recently decided to migrate from one Skype account and move over to another. Following the normal Skype contact backup and import process, I proceeded to move my contacts over to my new Skype. Once I was sure everything was ready to announce my transition, I then updated the profile on my old account whereas I had changed both my Skype display name and Skype mood with updated info to suggest my contacts to start adding my new account.
While still logged into my old Skype account, I then opened a second Skype instance to log into the new account. From there I was able to welcome contacts as they added my new Skype account (since the process is "instant" from the receiving end after importing - I didn't want to be rude and ignore anyone lol). There were about a dozen contacts that I had clicked the "Resend contact request" link per chat window as needed (to get my "regulars" added back quickly).
By now a few hours had passed and my numbers were slowly growing. I knew I had a ways to go considering having 1200+ contacts, I assumed it would take a while. I also sent out a tweet about it to let my followers know of the change. It was a little more than 3+ hours in on my new account that I had experienced the infamous automatic sign out. After confirming by attempting to login on Skype.com, performing the password reset, and starting the account recovery process, I knew at that time my account had been restricted. I then submitted the support form for ownership verification and later discussions started with a support agent. I had explained my situation (but in greater detail than what I've shared here in the forums) and even re-read the Terms of Use just to make sure that I hadn't overlooked anything and concluded that other than an influx of contact additions (as my interpretation of the process for importing contacts was that incoming requests weren't considered bulk as I wouldn't be sending requests but rather receiving them) that I hadn't violated the Tou policy. I was later given a generic response with that familiar "canned" message response.
The message lightly describes how Skype protects my privacy and security by restricting accounts as soon as they receive information of suspicious activity. In the message, it declared that suspicious activities had happened in accordance with my current usage of which is dependent in Skype's Terms of Use via "http://www.skype.com/en/legal/tou/" and that my account will be kept restricted.
I felt this lightly made decision to be unfair considering the events leading up to it's restriction. I was very truthful and sincere when I made my case but felt it had fallen on deaf ears. From here I then decided to not give up and tried the live support chat session as an alternative measure. I presented my view of events, describing everything I could remember and to my surprise, I was greeted with a lovely support agent that handled my appeal. About mid-way through the chat session, just after letting the agent know I had added the few regulars using the "resend contacts link" per chat window, the agent told me that I should only add 1 or 2 contacts a day. I was bothered by having to be limited by 1 or 2 a day but simply replied back that I would do just that. Nearing the end of the chat session, I was then instructed that the agent would handle my issue and email an update shortly thereafter. She was really pleasant to deal with.
The following email was the response I received...
Hello <NAME REMOVED>,
Thank you for contacting Skype Customer Service.
I understand that you were not able to use your account. I apologize to hear about the experience. Let me help you out the best way possible.
To inform, Skype has strict security measures that are programmed and systematized that sensitively detects any unusual, out-of-ordinary and suspicious activities on all accounts. Once there are activities detected which are not aligned with our Terms of Use, it automatically restricts the account for safety and security measures on our system and for the users itself.
After we verify the ownership, this is the time that will intensively review the account. We check the reason for its blocking, or what were the cause. We take considerations with orders, payments methods, calls, SMS, log-ins made, IP used, reports by other users, Node, device used, email address, webID's, Skype Manager, etc. Everything is actually recorded in our system.
After careful review and investigation, we follow certain protocol, process and procedure if account can be subjected to lift its restriction. However, in your case, it is regretful to advise that we will keep the accounts restriction as per security measures we have here on Skype.
We at Skype value the security of all accounts very highly and as such we are only able to reinstate the status if our process permits. Given the mentioned situation, we highly recommend for you to create a new account for you to enjoy Skype's services again.
You can also take time reading our Terms of Use to check what things can affect account suspension and to serve as a guide so that you won't get the same issue in the future again.
Hoping for your kind understanding.
Best regards,
<NAME REMOVED>
Skype Customer Service
I feel that I've reached a dead end with Skype support. I explained how I cannot create a new account as the name was directly tied into my online presence and simply changing to a different name on a new account was simply out of the question. Not to mention that if I had done so, we would most likely end up right back in the same predicament that landed me with having my account restricted. I had even asked about alternative methods for importing mass contacts to not trigger an automated system check that might deem it suspicious but was not given any recommendations (aside of just creating a new account). What I found curious about all of this happened to be how it was just the one account that had been restricted whilst my old account remained active and still signed into Skype.
I am unsure with how to proceed which is what brought me here in these forums. I've spent the past several hours reading related threads and posts while searching for an alternative method but I've since felt that I've exhausted further action to take.
My platform is Windows 7 64Bit w/SP1 and use both the latest 7.x build of Skype and on rare occasions, 6.21.0.104. I have no trouble logging info my old Skype account. If you need additional information, I will try my best to provide. Please accept my thanks in advance for any advice given, it will be appreciated.
-w
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Answer 1

Hi there,
I signed up for a skype account few days ago. I added $30 credit to the account. Yesterday when I wanted to use the service my account was blocked. When I login I get the message '' You are currently restricted from purchasing services or redeeming vouchers. Please contact Customer Support to review your account status.'' I used the customer service support and they sent me an email exactly like the one wwwroot  posted it in this topic:
''Hello Jerry,
Greetings from Skype!
We understand that you were not able to use your account. We apologize to hear about the experience. Let me help you out the best way possible.
After we verify the ownership, we intensively reviewed the account. We check the reason for its blocking, or what were the cause. We take considerations with orders, payments methods, calls, SMS, log-ins made, IP used, reports by other users, Node, device used, email address,  web ID's, Skype Manager, etc. Everything is actually recorded in our system.
After careful review and investigation, we follow certain protocol, process and procedure if account can be subjected to lift its restriction. However, in your case, it is regretful to advise that we will keep the accounts restriction as per security measures we have here on Skype.
We at Skype value the security of all accounts very highly and as such we are only able to reinstate the status if our process permits. Given the mentioned situation, we highly recommend for you to create a new account for you to enjoy Skype's services again.
You can also take time reading our Terms of Use to check what things can affect account suspension and to serve as a guide so that you won't get the same issue in the future again.
Hoping for your kind understanding.
Best regards,
Leo L.
Skype Customer Service
Visit Skype for more updates, news and tips ''
Myself I feel I reached a dead end. What will now happend with my credit ? It feels bad that I might loose the money I already added to the account. Also I believe I don't qualify for live support chat. I don't find a link to live support chat. I can not speak live with a person. I feel that they are not trying to solve my issue. I replied to this thread because I received an exact email from skype customer support.