Are Your Online Accounts Selling Your Email?
The Persistent Problem of Email Spam
The sheer volume of unsolicited email, or spam, received daily is a significant source of frustration for many. As one acquaintance aptly put it, addressing this issue should be a global priority, even surpassing international conflicts. A strong stance against spam, including severe penalties for those involved, is warranted.
Therefore, initiating an investigation into the sources of email address sales to spammers is a logical step. Utilizing a new Gmail account is an excellent starting point, given its unique feature: plus addressing.
Understanding Plus Addressing
Plus addressing allows for the creation of variations of your primary email address. For example, if your email is DONOTSPAMME@gmail.com, you can also receive mail at DONOTSPAMME+citibank@gmail.com.
This functionality enables a tracking system to identify which entities are sharing or selling your email information.
Implementing the Tracking System
The proposed method involves modifying your email address for each online account you create. Use the format DONOTSPAMME+accountname@gmail.com, substituting DONOTSPAMME with your actual email username and 'accountname' with the specific service you're registering with.
Here are some examples to illustrate the concept:
Geico: geekervongeekerson+geico@gmail.com
Citibank: geekervongeekerson+citibank@gmail.com
Newegg: geekervongeekerson+newegg@gmail.com
It’s crucial to avoid publicly disclosing these modified addresses. Refrain from posting them on public forums or newsgroups to maintain the integrity of the tracking process.
Identifying the Source of Leaks
When spam begins arriving at these uniquely tagged addresses, the sender's address will reveal the culprit. You’ll likely see something like username+guiltyspammers@gmail.com, clearly indicating the source of the leak.
Should you uncover any entities selling email addresses to spammers, please share your findings in the comments section below. Contributing this information can help others protect their privacy.
Protecting your email address is a continuous effort, and this method provides a proactive approach to identifying and potentially stopping the flow of unwanted communications.