How to stop someone from using your email address for spam

Have you ever signed up for an online service or newsletter only to be bombarded with spam emails? Or perhaps you're concerned about your email address falling into the wrong hands and being used for malicious purposes.

Unfortunately, if your real email address has already been leaked online, there's no way to scrub it from internet history.

However, there is a way to prevent it from getting worse in the future: proxy email addresses. These services act as intermediaries, masking your real email address and forwarding legitimate messages while filtering out spam and unwanted communications.

Here are some of the leading providers that offer this valuable service:

1. Apple Private Relay:

• How it Works: Private Relay is a feature built into Apple devices running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey or later. When enabled, it hides your IP address and browsing activity from websites and email senders. For email, it generates unique, randomized email addresses that forward to your real inbox.
• Benefits: Seamless integration with Apple devices, strong privacy protections, easy to use.
• Limitations: Only available to Apple users with iCloud+ subscriptions.

2. Firefox Relay:

• How it Works: Similar to Apple's Private Relay, Firefox Relay creates alias email addresses that forward to your primary inbox. You can generate different aliases for various online services, making it easy to manage and control your email exposure.
• Benefits: Cross-platform compatibility (works with any browser or email provider), affordable pricing plans, user-friendly interface.
• Limitations: Free version offers limited alias addresses.

3. Addy (formerly AnonAddy):

• How it Works: AnonAddy is an open-source service that provides a high degree of customization and control over your proxy email addresses. You can create an unlimited number of aliases with unique domains, set up rules for forwarding and blocking emails, and even use your own domain name.
• Benefits: Extensive features, strong privacy focus, open-source transparency, affordable pricing.
• Limitations: May require some technical knowledge to set up and configure.

4. Spamwise Private Relay:

• How it Works: Spamwise allows you to create a unique subdomain (e.g., `<username>.spamwise.me`) and generate unlimited aliases by adding any prefix to the "@" symbol (e.g., `<anything>@<username>.spamwise.me`). This gives you fine-grained control and helps identify the source of emails.
• Benefits: Highly customizable, helps pinpoint spam sources, offers a free trial.
• Limitations: Relatively new service, features may be limited compared to established providers.

Why Use Proxy Email Addresses?

• Reduce Spam: By using a different alias for each online service, you can easily identify the source of spam and block it.
• Protect Your Privacy: Keep your real email address hidden from companies and individuals, reducing the risk of it being sold or shared without your consent.
• Enhance Security: Minimize the impact of data breaches and phishing attempts by using aliases for less important online interactions.
• Improve Organization: Create separate aliases for different purposes (e.g., online shopping, social media, newsletters) to keep your inbox organized.

Choosing the Right Service:

The best proxy email service for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as:

• Compatibility: Ensure the service works with your devices and email provider.
• Features: Evaluate the level of customization and control offered.
• Pricing: Compare the costs of different plans and features.
• Privacy: Choose a service with a strong commitment to protecting your data.

By incorporating proxy email addresses into your online routine, you can take a proactive approach to safeguarding your email identity, reducing spam, and enhancing your overall online privacy.