Help I’m freaked out!

NooNoo2019

Hi, I’ll try and keep this simple.

I looked in my gmail junk and found a spam email claiming to be from my aunt. It had my name and her full name.
I’ve never given my aunt that email address, we only speak on Facebook messenger and we’re not fb friends. I can’t understand how someone has linked me and her through Facebook with an email I’ve not given her or Facebook.
It’s really freaked me out as a few days ago I had an email to another email address claiming to be from a Facebook friend and it wasn’t her. I put that down to her email or Facebook having been compromised. Just seems odd as I’ve never had emails like these before.
After the fake email from the Facebook friend a few days ago, I wiped my iPad and changed all my passwords, but I still feel really anxious where I can’t figure out what’s happened.

Thanks in advance

Neil_Jones

It'll be spoofed. Just delete it.

Considering people try and use email addresses that at least feature their first and last names with a few numbers on it, its hardly a stretch of imagination to deduce your name is Fred Flintstone when you have an email of fred19flintstone47 @ whatever...

NooNoo2019

But how did they make any connection to our names when there’s nothing public to show we even know each Other?

Elika0215

NooNoo2019 wrote: »

Hi, I’ll try and keep this simple.

I looked in my gmail junk and found a spam email claiming to be from my aunt. It had my name and her full name.
I’ve never given my aunt that email address, we only speak on Facebook messenger and we’re not fb friends. I can’t understand how someone has linked me and her through Facebook with an email I’ve not given her or Facebook.
It’s really freaked me out as a few days ago I had an email to another email address claiming to be from a Facebook friend and it wasn’t her. I put that down to her email or Facebook having been compromised. Just seems odd as I’ve never had emails like these before.
After the fake email from the Facebook friend a few days ago, I wiped my iPad and changed all my passwords, but I still feel really anxious where I can’t figure out what’s happened.

Thanks in advance

The only thing that I can think of is that social media platforms now link all kinds of information between users.

The same with email accounts - is there any chance that you forwarded an email for instance? If so, some mail apps will automatically create a contact.

The upshot is that you're virus free (instead of wiping the ipad, you could just try a virus scanner next time?) and have done the right thing to change your passwords.

Oh, and I'd recommend mentioning to your auntie in case her email/laptop has some unwanted app running.

AndyPix

Do you have her contact details in your phone ?

JJ_Egan

I get one from a dead persons account naming me .
But he was one of those when alive that forwarded emails with multiple email contacts listed instead of BCC .

NooNoo2019

Yes I have her details in my phone.

For a brief spell we were Facebook friends about 18 months ago, I don’t know if a spammer saw that and then guessed my gmail pretending to be her, it’s the only explanation I’ve come up with

RumRat

It doesn't matter how long ago you were 'friends' on FB, the information will hang around forever.....
Best advice, wean yourself off FB, like millions of others and get your life back.
In the meantime, just delete the email and stop worrying about how they linked you.

that

The rule of thumb is to never give anyone any details or bit of truth about you on line - not even your email. Have a few disposable account for sites that need email, but do not offer a real service like FB. Do do tag photos, and ask friends not to tag you.

Banks and insurance do need it if you buy on line, but the electricity company and council they should know where you live, and perhaps not a necessity for them?

There are many sites like this one will eventually work https://www.guerrillamail.com/ , or this one https://10minutemail.com

https://www.fakenamegenerator.com/ or http://www.datafakegenerator.com or https://names.igopaygo.com