Google emails my address and recovery address when my takeout downloads are ready. I have bimonthly takeouts scheduled. I'm guessing that it is a spam attempt, or possibly just some idiot who set a misspelling as his backup account.
Ask HN: Why would Google email me a data export for a different account?
11–13 of 13 posts
Re: Ask HN: Why would Google email me a data export for a different account?
#12After thinking about it a while I decided to send an email to the address that was included in the data archive email. Whether that was a good idea or not I don't know. But! I got a 550 Requested action not taken response! > Your message wasn't delivered to {redacted}@gmail.com because the address couldn't be found, or is unable to receive mail. > 550 5.2.1 The email account that you tried to reach is disabled. Kinda…
On the one hand, I want to encourage you to do a Takeout of your account, but given the circumstances, maybe that will make things worse. Either way, I'm a bit nervous for you!
Re: Ask HN: Why would Google email me a data export for a different account?
#13Google emails my address and recovery address when my takeout downloads are ready. I have bimonthly takeouts scheduled. I'm guessing that it is a spam attempt, or possibly just some idiot who set a misspelling as his backup account.
I agree that this is the most likely scenario. The rationale is to ensure awareness of an action that has risk of data exfiltration.
Though at this point, it's probably too late. :/