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Ask Slashdot: What To Do With Misdirected Email?

Posted by Soulskill on from the respond-in-character dept.

An anonymous reader writes "My Gmail account is of the form (first initial).(middle initial).(common last name)@gmail.com. I routinely receive emails clearly intended for someone else. These range from newsletters to personal and business emails. I've received email with various people's addresses, phone numbers and even financial information. A few years ago I started saving the more interesting ones, and now have an archive of hundreds of emails directed at no less than eight distinct individuals. I used to try replying to the personal ones with a form response, but it didn't seem to help. To make matters worse, I frequently find I can't use my email to create a new account at various sites because it's already been registered. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there any good way to handle this?"

10 of 388 comments (clear)

  1. The only plausible solution... by XPeter · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is to change your name

    --
    "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Albert Einstein
    1. Re:The only plausible solution... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Change it to Albert Qaeda , or Al for short.
      Then all that NSA snooping will pay off as everyone who emails you will get sent on holiday to Guantanamo.

  2. Well, for your second problem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Reset password, follow emailed link, and the account is now yours. And, bonus if it's already been paid for.

  3. No problems by mysidia · · Score: 5, Informative

    Just ignore them, or block the sender.

    To make matters worse, I frequently find I can't use my email to create a new account at various sites because it's already been registered.

    In that case, use an e-mail based password reset, set a new password, and done, as far as having registered for the site, or contact the site's support.

    1. Re:No problems by slashdotjunker · · Score: 5, Interesting

      In that case, use an e-mail based password reset, set a new password, and done, as far as having registered for the site, or contact the site's support.

      This is bad advice. Do not interact with an unknown account opened with your email address.

      A successful login from your IP address may be construed as assuming ownership of the account. They might try to collect money from you. Or, the account may have been used for illegal activities which are now linked to your IP address.

      Never assume ownership of an unknown account. All communications (if any) with the account management should clearly state that you are not the account holder and are not responsible for the account. In particular, do not ask for the account to be closed. Asking the company to take action on the account may also be construed as assuming ownership of the account.

      At best you can send an email stating you are not the account holder. Then put them on your block list. Do not get more involved than that.

  4. gmail plus sign postfix by watermark · · Score: 5, Informative

    Well, I have a solution to your "email has already been registered" issue. Gmail will treat yourname+blah@gmail.com as the same address as yourname@gmail.com, both will go into the yourname@gmail.com account. Give the site an email address with a plus sign postfix like that and it should detect it as a new unique address. Some sites don't allow the plus symbol in email addresses (even though it's a valid character), so mileage may vary.

  5. Here's how I handle it... by KennyLB · · Score: 5, Funny

    from: lauren
    to: Ken
    date: Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 10:15 AM
    subject: Information About Loose Mansion: Ken REMOVED

    12/18/2009

    Hi Ken and Stephanie!

    Thank you for your interest in Loose Mansion! We would love to host your wedding ceremony and reception, or possibly just your ceremony! As I mentioned, we'll have to wait until closer to your date before knowing if we can accomodate your afternoon ceremony on November 6, 2010. We are also available Saturday evenings, October 2 and 30, and November 13 and 20, 2010! Please know Loose Mansion is perfect for your group size!

    Attached is general pricing and policy information. I will put together a more specific estimate for you now that I know more about your plans, and will send that in a separate email shortly!

    In case you haven't had a chance to fully explore our website, please know that it contains a wealth of information about our events, including slide videos, photo galleries, guest comments, and answers to frequently asked questions.

    We're proud to say that the Kansas City community recently voted Loose Mansion, "Best Venue in Kansas City" on the KMBC TV A-List Website! To see reviews and photos on the A-List Website, please visit: REMOVED.

    We know that planning a wedding event can be overwhelming to many people...but, not to us! Our expert staff will ensure you have an amazing event, and we'll make planning simple and fun!

    Warm Regards,

    Lauren REMOVED
    Event Manager

    My response....

    date: Sun, Dec 20, 2009 at 2:09 PM
    subject: Re: Information About Loose Mansion: Ken REMOVED

    Lauren,

    Thank you very much for your information about the Loose Mansion. While the information was rather intriguing, I'm afraid that I do not know this Stephanie who you are hooking me up with? I'm very surprised to hear that I am getting married as well, and this was quite a shock to my current wife.

    Also, Kansas City seems a rather long drive from my current residence in Maryland. I'm afraid that while Loose Mansion sounds wonderful, and I'm sure this will be an excellent event, I don't believe I will be able to attend.

    To Mark, Brett, and Seth, whom I have CC'd on this email. Please guys, NO MORE BLIND WEDDING DATES. My wife does not appreciate it.

    Thanks,

    Ken

    PS: Lauren, you may want to try to get in contact with the OTHER Ken, who is actually getting married. Sorry, I have no idea who he is.

    --
    ~Ken
  6. Re:Don't make an email account with your name in i by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    from here it looks as if you might have to take your counting skills off your CV

  7. Relevant xkcd by Karganeth · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://xkcd.com/1279/

  8. Re: Get a real mail account by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Backscatter only counts if you send bounces after the email is fully received. If you reject the email between SMTP HELO or EHLO and DATA, you're good.