Another reason not to use ISP email.

[golfcart]

Lil heads up:

I recently bought a domain name that used to belong to a local ISP that has sold out to a larger company. Since I planned on being the only person using email on the domain, I simply set up a "catch all" email account. This means that any and all mail sent to that domain is forwarded to my personal email adress.

Well, In less than 24 hours I recieved over 50 newsletters from various websites adressed to various people. The letters usually start out as "Dear (username)".
This is not good.

While I would never do this, it would be possible for me to go to these sites and click on "forgot password". All I need for most is a username(it was just mailed to me) and the correct email addy(got that too). Some of these websites store your credit card info also. I know this because I have used these sites to shop on. While this probably isn't that common of an issue, you may just want to think about what email adresses you are using at certain places.
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[surrealchereal]

wow great info.
so i understand. You bought a domain name, like say dogbiscuit.com right? and then you are having the mail (any and all) sent to you.
so if i had an email account of say surrealchereal@dogbiscuit.com at one time and no more, my info i might have given to say,,,, Amazon books is now available to you?

[surrealchereal]

But wait, if I don't use my ISP for mail what should I use?

[golfcart]

surrealchereal, you are correct. As far as a completely safe account, I think owning the domain is the best insurance against this kind of thing. I may have titled my thread wrong though. I don't want people to think that it is completely unsafe to use certain accounts. I think the most important things to do would be, updating your adress on subscribed sites if it changes, and never allowing a site to store your credit card info(most will give you a choice). http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[smokin1]

well said..and again..for most users a web based email is the best option. And clear your cookies..don't store passwords..and..I could go on and on..

[Thud]

That's good advice. I use my Hotmail address for all online transactions and correspondence with people I don't know personally. And I get loads of spam in it.

I only give my home (ISP) address to family and close friends. I've never recieved a virus, and rarely ever see spam in it.

[club_med]

I advise all to do what Thud does, I do it too.

I only use Hotmail for 'dubious' things.

My main/home e-mail address is only for friends and family.

I too have never received a virus on the e-mail account, and I get spam like once a year on it.

Better be safe than sorry right ?

cm http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Hawkeye178]

Geeze, thanks Golfcart, what about AOL?

[scoots987]

Ok stupid question coming...

I have a domain and haven't got around using it. Mostly because I am not sure what to do. How can I start using it? I have Internet Cable and a couple of dialup accounts(for work). Any suggestions?

Scoots987