Discovering that someone else is using your email address can be alarming. Cybercriminals may exploit compromised email accounts to send spam, scam others, or access sensitive information. Here's how you can check if your email is being used by someone else and secure it.

Most email services provide a log of recent activity. Here's how to check:

Gmail:

Step 1 - Open Gmail on your computer.

Step 2 - Scroll to the bottom of your inbox and click "Details" (next to "Last account activity").

Step 3 - Review the IP addresses, devices, and locations.

Outlook/Hotmail:

Step 1 - Sign in to your account.

Step 2 - Go to "Security" > "Sign-in activity.".

Step 3 -  Check for suspicious sign-ins.

Yahoo Mail:

Step 1 - Go to "Account Security" > "Recent Activity.".

Step 2 - Look for unusual activity.

Use tools like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email address was exposed in a data breach. Enter your email, and it will list known breaches associated with your account.

Check your sent folder for emails you didn't write. Unauthorized users often use compromised accounts to send phishing emails or spam.

Many email providers allow you to set up notifications for:

a) Unusual login attempts.

b) Password changes.

c) Suspicious activity.

Enable these notifications in your email security settings.

Services like IdentityForce, Norton LifeLock, or Aura can monitor if your email or personal information is being used without your consent.

If you suspect someone has access to your email, take these steps immediately:

Change Your Password: Use a strong, unique password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone to log in.

Revoke Unauthorized Access: Review connected apps or devices and remove anything you don’t recognize.

Hackers often set up email forwarding to steal information without you noticing:

Go to your email settings and review rules or forwarding addresses.

Delete anything you didn’t set up.

Regularly checking your email for unauthorized access and keeping it secure can help protect your personal and professional data. If you confirm someone else is using your email, act quickly to secure your account and minimize potential damage.