cant send or receive after spammer hijacked

[nospamsam]

I found out this morning that an 'important message' went out to everyone on my contact list. When I tried to send an email I got an error message that I couldn't (error 552?) because I was a spammer. After two hours with an overseas rep, I only managed to get my password changed.  He said that I needed to contact Microsoft because Windows Live Mail is a Microsoft product. The error message that I get now (after the password change) is 'unable to connect to server'. My emails aren't going to my Blackberry either. Does Verizon want to blame that one on Microsoft too? How can I get someone to help me fix it without getting an overseas rep who only know how to repeated tell you how happy he is to help you when in fact, he has no idea what you're talking about. The online Verizon self help tools bring out around and around or to dead links.

[somegirl]

What is the full text of the error you are getting?

[Hubrisnxs]

if you were blocked for being a spammer, it's a 24 hour block.   

changing your password is the first thing you want to do, so be glad they got that part out of the way for you.  now the hacker doesn't have your pw anymore, unless they installed a virus/trojan/key logger on your pc.

you may want to run a full scan.

[Hubrisnxs]

here are some additional related things that will help protect yourself from spammers

Email Filters

• Update your Email Settings to protect your inbox from unwanted email
• How do I manage mail filters in Microsoft® Outlook Express

Spam Detector

• What does the Spam Detector tool do?

these are some helpful links for dealing with spam. 

I've shared this before, but thought I would share it again in case it helps, but always use best practices while on the internet.

1. You should start reporting the spam with a spam button in the webmail client
2. Forward spam emails that were not caught to spamdetector.notcaught@verizon.net
3. Set your e-mail filter. An e-mail filter and spam blocking software are absolutely critical. Set these security measures to update automatically to ensure that you are protected from the latest threats.
4. NEVER reply to spam. Replying to spam, even to "unsubscribe," could set you up for more spam.
5. Protect your e-mail address and instant message ID. If you must post this information online, set up two identities, one for real use and one for online activities.
6. Be wary of e-mail attachments. Change the settings on your e-mail program so that images and attachments are not opened automatically. Only open attachments from users known to you.
7. Watch out for phishing scams. Don't click on links in e-mails or instant messages unless the sender is known to you. Instead, open a separate web browser and visit the site directly.
8. Create smart and strong passwords. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
9. Never enter your personal information in a pop-up window. You may not be able to tell when a scammer has hijacked a seemingly legitimate site.
10. Don't fill out online surveys, or register for contests or fan clubs. These may be fronts for spammers trying to collect your e-mail address