Anonymous Email Providers Basics

What anonymous email providers do and how they can help you

In the simplest terms, an anonymous email provider hides the sender's identity from the recipient. Usually, the sender's email address is from a disposable email provider or is a decoy. Many anonymous email providers also cloak your IP address (the computer address from which the email originated) and other identifying information.

You might think anonymous email is only useful for contacting a secret crush or spamming an address book with ads for the latest entrepreneurial scheme, but there are legitimate business and personal reasons for using an anonymous email service. Be aware that there are three different methods to choose from, offering varying levels of anonymity.

1. A remailer service strips out your personal identifying information from an email you send before sending it on to the intended recipient.

2. Anonymous webmail accounts are a popular choice because they are free and don't verify information during signup. Just keep in mind that a free anonymous email account is usually the least secure option and your information can be more easily traced than you may think.

3. A disposable email address is most often used when filling out online forms as a means of reducing spam, but can also be used for sending anonymous email, since your email address won't be recognized.

Read and understand more about anonymous email providers basics

Choosing an anonymous email service can seem complicated, especially when dealing with remailer services, which are quite technical in nature. While some websites are filled with technical jargon and too much detail, you can start with a site that explains your choices in everyday terms.

Discover the uses for anonymous email

You might be wondering why anyone would send anonymous email. There are many legitimate reasons. One of the most common reasons to use an anonymous email service is to help reduce spam, for example.

Find the best anonymous email providers

Now that you know the different methods of emailing anonymously, you'll want to select one that is best for you. If you do an online search for "webmail anonymous," for example, you'll get countless results. For a more targeted list, visit a website with a section devoted to anonymous solutions.

• Remember that an anonymous email address is not to be used to harass or threaten. Furthermore, an anonymous email provider will report a user who conducts illegal activities.

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