[freitasm]

I have a common lastnameinitial @ email provider. It's the same username from my mainframe days. Some people with similar surname use that, probably because they either don't want to receive emails or because they are just... I don't know, clueless?

Usually I takeover an account and change the password. Then add a 2FA if possible and update the details to my name and address. This way people can't say it's their account anymore.

A couple of times there were credit card numbers. I just delete those if possible.

I have cancelled hair appointments and car services. I have received flight information multiple times. I have locked out an account on a French dating site, which had some interesting exchanges (the guy's missing out!).

I did not cancel a vet appointment. Pets need to see a vet and their owners being dumb is not an excuse. I won't interfere with that. But I did book a full grooming for a week after.

When I takeover I just use a random password from Bitwarden and don't even bother saving the account, as I don't plan to ever use these again.

[rixed]

Have done all that without suffering any sense of guilt ?

[freitasm]

Yes. Also received invoices, past due notices and more.

A couple of times I contacted the companies to let them know their notices did not reach the right person. No reply or acknowledgement.

Both sides are bad. Not my problem. My problem is people using my email and creating trash in my inbox.

[david-gpu]

You are being an asshole to people who made a simple mistake, just because it caused you the mildest inconvenience.

Every time this sort of thing happens I make my best effort to inform all the parties involved, and block the senders as a last resort.

Be a better netizen.