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They Shared My Email Address

Everytime I give my email address to a company, I create a new email address that I can trace back to that company. That way, I can see who's selling my email address by looking at the "To" header in spams that I receive. I mentioned this about a year ago in the "United Email = Broken" post. Well, here's an update. These are the companies that have sold my email address without my consent. Thanks a lot!

  • Datek, which merged with Ameritrade in 2002 and is now TD Ameritrade
  • United Airlines. I've created multiple email addresses for United and received spam on all of them
  • Micro Center, the electronic store
  • Vindigo. I no longer use their service.
  • Network Solutions. That gives you confidence, eh?
  • 1-800-Flowers

I have no illusions that sharing these results will change anything, but I figure a little public humiliation wouldn't hurt.

Comments

That's a good idea on how to track the origin of your spam. I always get annoyed when the Micro Center cashier asks for my email address. I always tell them I don't want to give it. Now I know the reason why I shouldn't.

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