I use this strategy in an attempt to know who is selling/leaking my email address, but it is very easily subverted. Does anyone know of code that removes the `+[...]` and the purpose behind such code?
Most of the time I try it to use it, the website won't allow me to use the '+' in an email or will never send the verification mail to activate my account.
I prefer [company name]@[my domain]. That way there's nothing to remove. Still most companies that spam do it either through [first name].[last name]@gmail.com or info@[my domain].
[company name]@[my domain] has been my anti-spam for decades. Just register your own domain name, and create a catch-all email account. Then give out tagged emails to every company. Once in a while I get some idiot who thinks I'm their boss or a scammer because of the email. Imagine getting a call to customer service transferred to AT&T security because they don't like ATT@[my domain].
+1. To expand on your friction comment: I’ve been doing unique @myname.com for years and learned quickly to avoid putting the full company name to avoid confusion.
Now, I just use the first 2 and last 2 letters, so for example hackernews would be [email protected]. When I go back later to log in, it is easy to re-derive on the spot. And if I forget what an email address corresponds to I can just search my inbox history for that address to find the site registration confirmation or whatever they sent previously.
[+] [-] gabelschlager|2 years ago|reply
[+] [-] FeistySkink|2 years ago|reply
[+] [-] RecycledEle|2 years ago|reply
[+] [-] phpsecure|2 years ago|reply
[+] [-] DANmode|2 years ago|reply
As another commenter mentioned, [email protected] is difficult for them to get around.
I will add that this tactic has caused additional friction or touches for things it shouldn't have¹, but has finally delivered the desired effect.
¹e.g. insurance offices calling to confirm my email address, customer service people curiously wondering aloud if I work for their company
[+] [-] mitchellpkt|2 years ago|reply
Now, I just use the first 2 and last 2 letters, so for example hackernews would be [email protected]. When I go back later to log in, it is easy to re-derive on the spot. And if I forget what an email address corresponds to I can just search my inbox history for that address to find the site registration confirmation or whatever they sent previously.
[+] [-] quickthrower2|2 years ago|reply