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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/my-email-sending-spam/

Your friends got weird emails from you. Here's what to do.

For: Gmail and other email accounts

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Google and the FTC. Written for Gmail and other email, October 2026.

When friends get odd emails "from you," either someone faked your address or got into your account. Here's how to tell and what to do.

This page is for you if

  • Friends say you sent them strange emails or links
  • You get Mail Delivery failure notices for emails you didn't send
  • Someone replied to an email you never wrote

Why this happens

There are two ways this happens. Google says scammers can fake your address on emails they send from somewhere else, without getting into your account. That's spoofing. Or someone got your password and is using your real account. The steps below help with both.

Do these steps

  1. Look in your Sent folder

    The FTC says to check your sent folder for emails you didn't write. If you see them there, someone is in your account.

  2. Change your password

    Pick a new, strong password you don't use anywhere else.

  3. Turn on 2-Step Verification

    This keeps someone with your password out. See how for Gmail.

  4. Check your settings

    The FTC says to look for forwarding rules you didn't set up and delete them. Make sure the recovery email and phone number are yours.

  5. Tell your friends

    Let them know not to click links in emails from you, and to ignore requests for money.

Good to know

  • If the emails aren't in your Sent folder, it may just be spoofing. Google says it can't stop spammers from faking your address. Report the bounce-back emails as spam.
  • If you see an email in Spam from me, someone put your address in the From line. Your account may be fine.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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