Places online where you should never use your primary email
Did you know that one carelessly provided email address can open a gateway to your private life? In some places online, using your primary email address is like handing a stranger the keys to your home. Here's a list of places where you should always use email aliases.
1. Classified ads sites when selling personal items
When you list unused phones, furniture, or bicycles on popular classified platforms, you need to provide contact information. But do you really want hundreds of strangers to have your private email address?
Imagine this situation: You’re selling a camera on a famous selling portal. Initially, you get normal inquiries, but one "interested buyer" starts sending disturbing messages. Within hours, using just your email address, they could find your Facebook profile, LinkedIn, see where you work and where you spend your free time.
This is exactly what happened to Anna - her ordinary sales listing turned into a stalking nightmare.
Safe solution: Always use a relay. With Hetman Relay, you can create a dedicated address for your listing contact. If something goes wrong - you simply disable the relay and you're safe.
2. Contests that lure with prizes
"Win an iPhone!", "Get a $100 voucher!" - these slogans are tempting, but do you know what you've actually "won" by providing your primary email address?
In reality, many contests are carefully designed data collection campaigns. Companies then sell your data to marketers, and you start receiving tons of unwanted ads.
Olivia learned this the hard way when she entered a contest: "The company organizing the contest was actually a data broker. The contest was just a pretext to build a database."
Safe solution: Use a special relay for all contests. If the contest turns out to be a trap, simply disable the alias and the unwanted emails stop coming. You can safely participate in contests without risking your privacy.
3. Internet forums and discussion groups
Why is it dangerous?
Forums are often victims of hacker attacks, and databases with email addresses leak online. Additionally, other forum users might use your address to track your online activity.
Examples of forums where it's worth using aliases:
- Thematic forums (automotive, technology, parenting)
- Facebook discussion groups
- Services like Reddit
- Gaming forums
Solution:
Create a forum account using a relay. Your privacy will remain intact even if the forum suffers a data breach.
4. Downloading free content and files
Why is it dangerous?
Many sites offer "free" ebooks, templates, or software in exchange for your email address. Often this is a way to build mailing lists.
Places to be especially careful:
- Sites with free ebooks
- Services with downloadable templates
- Sites offering free email courses
- Downloading cracks and illegal software (double the risk there!)
Solution:
Use a relay for one-time downloads. If the site starts spamming, disable the alias without consequences for your main inbox.
5. New, unknown online stores
Why is it dangerous?
Small, new stores often don't invest in proper data security. They're more vulnerable to attacks, and your data could leak.
Red flags:
- The store doesn't have SSL (lock icon in address bar)
- Missing terms of service and privacy policy
- Unusually low prices
- Newly registered domain
Solution:
Use a relay when testing new stores. Even if the store turns out to be dishonest or falls victim to a data breach, your primary email address remains safe.
Summary: Protect your digital identity
Your primary email address is the key to your digital identity. Don't hand it out to everyone who asks. Hetman Relay gives you a simple tool for privacy protection.
Over time, you'll notice how much stress and unwanted messages you can avoid. Your email inbox will be cleaner, and you'll be safer online. Create your first relay.