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Ask HN: How do you fight spam emails and the growing number of database leaks?

3 points by vkbm ↗ HN
Recently, I noticed getting occasional spam emails on the email address I registered on a couple of websites only. I searched online, did any of those websites suffer any database leak and checked with haveibeenpwned, but found nothing.

Additionally, I have another email address for quite some time now, which I really like, but unfortunately, it was listed in one database leak, and basically ruined now, since I'm getting a daily dose of spam.

I came across services like simplelogin.io and anonaddy.com. Do you use one of these, and is there any benefit comparing to using a custom domain with an email service provider? Is there any third option you might be using which is not mentioned?

4 comments

[ 6.2 ms ] story [ 24.7 ms ] thread
LinuxBender
I just use canaries. somename@mydomain.tld and if the business allows itself to be compromised they are notified and nullified. I've recent had to make the canaries less obvious as some companies are getting annoyed and marking any email address with their name in it as fraudulent despite knowing full well the intended use case.

As for providers, half of my domains are just pointed at a tiny VM and the other half are on fastmail for family members to use provided they continue to maintain their customers best interests.

anon1094
I'm essentially doing the same thing except I keep my Gmail account and add +servicename@gmail.com.
Svetlitski
I’ve found that reporting spam you receive to spamcop.net helps if you’re vigilant about it.
toomuchtodo
Apple iCloud throwaway emails for each distinct login or service.