I think I have a shadow email attached to my email that I cant get rid of!!!

Question

I think I have a shadow email attached to my email that I cant get rid of!!!

Kari Lynn Spanarella 0

I have an email linked to my account that I did not create. I have tried to unlink it, but it does not show up in my account. How do I remove this email that somehow has attached itself to my account? I've followed all the recommended steps to unlink accounts. Unfortunately, this email is like a shadow account - when others email me, it shows their emails as rejected by this random email that is not mine.

#outlook/wed/outlook.com/accountmanagement/security/privacy #unauthorizedshadowemail

Hornblower409 16,075 Reputation points

2026-10-04T02:09:20.12+00:00

@Kari Lynn Spanarella said

when others email me, it shows their emails as rejected by this random email that is not mine.

Do you mean that people who email you get a Non-Delivery Report email in return? If so

Does it say that their email to you was rejected by an email address that end with something like ".... protection.outlook.com", "... prod.outlook.com" ?

A screen shot of the Non-Delivery Report that they are getting would also be helpful.

2 answers

Your answer

Hornblower409 16,075 Reputation points

2026-10-04T02:09:20.12+00:00

@Kari Lynn Spanarella said

when others email me, it shows their emails as rejected by this random email that is not mine.

Do you mean that people who email you get a Non-Delivery Report email in return? If so

Does it say that their email to you was rejected by an email address that end with something like ".... protection.outlook.com", "... prod.outlook.com" ?

A screen shot of the Non-Delivery Report that they are getting would also be helpful.

Answer 1

EmilyS726 270.5K Independent Advisor

Hello

Definitely try what the AI answer first, to review rules, forwarding, etc settings.

If you use Outlook app on any Windows device, try this as well.

Close Outlook app completely and make sure it is not running in the background.

Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Type or paste

outlook.exe /cleanrules

into the box and press Enter.

Then see if this is still happening when people email you.

0 comments

Answer 2

This usually means one of two things is still configured on the account:

An unexpected alias is attached to the Microsoft account.
Outlook.com is forwarding or redirecting mail through a rule or forwarding setting.

Since the address does not appear in the normal account view and messages are bouncing back from that unknown address, check both areas:

In Outlook.com, open Settings and review:
- Mail > Rules
- Forwarding
- IMAP Delete anything unfamiliar.
In the Microsoft account settings, review aliases and sign-in settings:
- Go to Your info > Sign-in preferences.
- Check every alias listed.
- If an alias is unfamiliar, remove it if available.
- Also verify which aliases are allowed to sign in and save the changes.
Review security info:
- In the account security area, make sure all verification methods and contact info belong to the account owner.
Secure the account immediately:
- Change the password.
- Enable two-step verification.
- Remove any unrecognized devices.
- Use Sign out everywhere if available. One documented case notes this can take up to 24 hours to take effect.
If the unknown address still does not appear anywhere in aliases, rules, forwarding, or security info, use Microsoft account support paths:
- Sign-in helper
- Contact Microsoft Support

Important: support agents cannot change account details directly or send password reset links, so the key self-service checks are aliases, sign-in preferences, rules, forwarding, and security info.