If your email has been hacked

​If your email has been hacked and someone has sent scam emails to your contact list, there are several steps you can take to address the situation: (You can open a suspicious-looking email and read its content (BUT NEVER CLICK ON ANY LINK IN THE EMAIL).
 

• Run your email address through this email checker. If anything shows up, go to those sites and change your email password used on that site. https://haveibeenpwned.com/

 

• Change your password: First, you should change your email password. Make sure your new password is strong and unique.

 

• Check your account settings: Review your email account settings to ensure the hacker has not made any changes, such as forwarding your emails to another account.

 

• Notify your contacts: Email your contact list to alert them that your email has been hacked and that they should not open any suspicious emails from your account. (I know this s a lot of work, and I think most people on your contact list probably know not to open it but rather delete it. But it can go a long way in stopping it from spreading)

 

• Scan your computer for malware: Use antivirus software to scan your computer for any malware or viruses that may have allowed the hacker to access your email.

 

• Contact your email provider: Contact your email provider's support team to report the hack and see if they can assist you in recovering your account.

 

• Be cautious in the future: Be careful when opening emails from unknown senders and avoid clicking on any suspicious links or attachments. Enabling two-factor authentication for your email account may also be a good idea for added security.

 
By taking these steps, you can help protect your email account and prevent further damage from the hack.
NOTE: One thing I do to anyone I am sending an email is place the date and time as the very first line in the body of the email. Since you don't usually see this in an email, you will know it is coming from me.