I don't understand what happened...

Nick003 · 15 Jan 2013, 01:08 AM

Hello,

I recently had an email experience that I don't understand and wish to share. Hopefully, I might find some answers here or at least be pointed in the correct direction in an effort to find the answer.

I'm very careful with the internet; bad things happen to those that don't exercise caution.

I am a subscriber to a reputable online dating site. While my subscription requires a legitimate email address for registration and payment, I use a different email with an alias for corresponding with other members until such time that I decide I can trust the individual to whom I am speaking.

I was corresponding with one individual when during a telephone conversation, she asked if my Mom's name was Gerri. I said it was but when we were done speaking, I started to think...

How would she know this unless she knew her last name? Somehow, she had gotten my last name. When I asked her, she only said "Google", but again, she would need a last name.

When I approached her with this, she only said that it was in my email, so I checked the account. My real name doesn't appear ANYWHERE, only the alias.

The email pattern looked like this:

Up to and including January 4th, 2013: All email has my alias name.

On January 5th @ 9:20 AM: email has true name.
@ 1:32 PM: email has true name.
@ 1:36 PM: email has gone back to the alias and has been the alias ever since.

This sudden, inexplicable change happened with only 2 emails and, only with her and no one else with whom I am corresponding.

I'm guessing that she paid for a reverse look up of my cell and then added me to her contact list. Once she realized my real name was in the email, she removed it.

I'm interested in hearing theories as I am no expert on email and am seeking guidance as to things I may be overlooking.

Thank you.

janusz · 15 Jan 2013, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick003

I'm guessing that she paid for a reverse look up of my cell and then added me to her contact list.

May be.... Of course assuming the phone is registered in your name (which may or may not be the case if you have a pay-as-you-go service)
Another possibility (call is speculation if you will....): she has access to your subscription/payment details and got your surname from there.

BTW, did you try to find your mother's name using Google (as your correspondent wants you to believe)? It may be that pages with your mother's name+ surname can be found, but is there a way to link this information with you?

Nick003 · 15 Jan 2013, 03:17 AM

Yes, I have done a search of her name. It does come up. But my question is this: how did she get the last name to begin with?

janusz · 15 Jan 2013, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick003

how did she get the last name to begin with?

I made two suggestions. Neither is email-related....

davy51 · 15 Jan 2013, 10:05 AM

Depending on the service they give full name in reply's

15 Jan 2013, 01:08 AM	#1
Nick003 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 2	I don't understand what happened... Hello, I recently had an email experience that I don't understand and wish to share. Hopefully, I might find some answers here or at least be pointed in the correct direction in an effort to find the answer. I'm very careful with the internet; bad things happen to those that don't exercise caution. I am a subscriber to a reputable online dating site. While my subscription requires a legitimate email address for registration and payment, I use a different email with an alias for corresponding with other members until such time that I decide I can trust the individual to whom I am speaking. I was corresponding with one individual when during a telephone conversation, she asked if my Mom's name was Gerri. I said it was but when we were done speaking, I started to think... How would she know this unless she knew her last name? Somehow, she had gotten my last name. When I asked her, she only said "Google", but again, she would need a last name. When I approached her with this, she only said that it was in my email, so I checked the account. My real name doesn't appear ANYWHERE, only the alias. The email pattern looked like this: Up to and including January 4th, 2013: All email has my alias name. On January 5th @ 9:20 AM: email has true name. @ 1:32 PM: email has true name. @ 1:36 PM: email has gone back to the alias and has been the alias ever since. This sudden, inexplicable change happened with only 2 emails and, only with her and no one else with whom I am corresponding. I'm guessing that she paid for a reverse look up of my cell and then added me to her contact list. Once she realized my real name was in the email, she removed it. I'm interested in hearing theories as I am no expert on email and am seeking guidance as to things I may be overlooking. Thank you.

15 Jan 2013, 03:17 AM	#3
Nick003 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 2	Yes, I have done a search of her name. It does come up. But my question is this: how did she get the last name to begin with?

15 Jan 2013, 10:05 AM	#5
davy51 Master of the @ Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,077	Depending on the service they give full name in reply's