Submission + - Ask Slashdot:How to I not get other people's email
vrimj writes: vrimj writes "I have a common enough first name lastname combination that I sometimes get other peoples email at my firstname.lastname@gmail.com account.
It isn't a big deal if it is a person, I let them know, they fix it.
The big problem I am having is with companies and websites. These emails are often no reply which means I can't send back a quick note.
I got someone's credit card bills for three months before I realized there was nothing for it but calling the company (I tried a couple of emails first).
Recently got a notice about someone's kid signing up for a website. I don't have any but to hit the response and tell them that I first have to say I am that kids parent or guardian. I didn't know where to go from there.
Today I get an invoice from a cable company, it is for a different state. I can't reply. I go to the online support, they tell me my only choice is to call the sales office. I gave in for the bank but I am not talking to someone else's cable company.
Is there any way to make emails to an improperly formatted gmail address bounce or do something else obvious? Is there a technical solution I am overlooking.
I doesn't happen that often but it is an increasing PITA with no reply email addresses. I hate just setting up a filter because that cuts off these other people who made a typo or had someone not enter something correctly, but it is looking like the best choice.
It isn't spam, but it isn't my meat."
It isn't a big deal if it is a person, I let them know, they fix it.
The big problem I am having is with companies and websites. These emails are often no reply which means I can't send back a quick note.
I got someone's credit card bills for three months before I realized there was nothing for it but calling the company (I tried a couple of emails first).
Recently got a notice about someone's kid signing up for a website. I don't have any but to hit the response and tell them that I first have to say I am that kids parent or guardian. I didn't know where to go from there.
Today I get an invoice from a cable company, it is for a different state. I can't reply. I go to the online support, they tell me my only choice is to call the sales office. I gave in for the bank but I am not talking to someone else's cable company.
Is there any way to make emails to an improperly formatted gmail address bounce or do something else obvious? Is there a technical solution I am overlooking.
I doesn't happen that often but it is an increasing PITA with no reply email addresses. I hate just setting up a filter because that cuts off these other people who made a typo or had someone not enter something correctly, but it is looking like the best choice.
It isn't spam, but it isn't my meat."
