Cole’s Inbox Is Closed for Business

If it’s not for me, it’s gone —

no forwarding, no replies

Once upon a time, I thought I’d struck digital gold, scoring my actual name as my Gmail address back when Google’s email service was shiny and new. I was the early bird who caught the worm. Unfortunately, that worm has been a constant stream of other people’s mistakes, and I’m finally cutting the line.

For years, I’ve been the accidental pen pal of countless strangers. Football fans, insurance companies, schools, medical clinics, and even Marvel enthusiasts — all happily sending me messages meant for some other Cole Cooper. I’ve received everything from heartfelt personal notes to confidential login instructions. And because I’m apparently nicer than I should be, I’ve spent years forwarding, replying, or politely explaining, “Sorry, wrong Cole.”

That stops today.

The volume of misdirected email has reached the point where I’m no longer a free customer service agent for the world’s sloppy data entry. Going forward, I will not be replying to or forwarding mistaken emails. Instead, they will be blocked and deleted with extreme prejudice.

The takeaway here is simple:

If you’re sending an email, double-check the address before hitting send. If you’re signing up for an account, verify your contact info. And if you’re another Cole Cooper out there — please, for the love of all inboxes everywhere, update your email details.

This is not just about me being tired of digital clutter; it’s about respecting privacy, reducing risk, and remembering that even one wrong letter can send your personal information into the wrong hands.

Stay vigilant. Protect your inbox. And if your message to “me” bounces back in silence, now you know why.

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