Beware of emails telling you that the USPS has a package for you
but your zip code is wrong. How the fuck does that work. These idiots think we’re all fools
= new reply since forum marked as read
about how to protect ourselves against scam artists and I for one appreciate it.
Some outright sell email addresses you give them, (like the cashier asks for one every time you get a receipt, or one of countless "giveaways" ) so if you can, use one of those "hide my email" deals. Apple offers one with iCloudPlus ($), and some other ISP's may do so. They let you use a cryptic email address that forwards to your real email address, and you can shut it down any time. (like right away, after you get that "free book" that requires an email address to receive. ... and brace yourself for endless marketing)
Another is to get a "throwaway" email address (receive only) at a place like getnada.com.
Give someone your getnada email addess, pick up your freebee there and forget it.
The addresses are open to anyone who can guess it, so nothing personal, please. Delete any messages.
And the inbox is emptied once a month.
Perhaps more likely, some place was hacked and emails harvested. Happened to me (I changed password on that email address) when there were hacks at LinkedIn, Yahoo, who knows how many others.
You can check if your email was harvested at https://haveibeenpwned.com
This is legit and has a Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_I_Been_Pwned%3F
Just make sure that you change the password on any of them since they were harvested.
Some got passwords. Definitely don't use easy ones, and change them on those accounts.
Matter of fact, I haven't seen this recently, but some say "We have your password and know all the porn you've been watching, Please contact us ... to send money" but even if you have been watching porn, these are empty threats. (and who watches that stuff? 
)
USPS can very legitimately get your email address if you sign up for Informed Delivery.
It uses email to notify you of letters and packages coming.
The others, less legitimate.
They actually sent me a street photo of my house, saying they know how much porn I've been viewing, send money, etc. The photo thing rattled me a bit, but I guess an address was harvested with the e-mail. Deleted it, haven't heard anything else. I guess my porn viewing is safe, after all...
It goes on file, and is not ignored.
I used to report every phishing email to the company that is being impersonated. Until the dam broke. What a flood.
So I only report spam and phishing to govt. agencies with enforcement power.
but there's always tomorrow!!!
sent to me in texts! I deleted and blocked them! I mean, texting your phone number!
I worked for UPS last year for Christmas help and they were constantly telling us to NOT click on anything...and then some.
And btw, I have so much respect for those guys. They bust their asses everyday, without complaining. I did it for six weeks ( just during the holidays) and everyday I woke up crawling out of bed. I'm glad I got the chance to do it, but I don't think I see me doing it again. My bones just can't take it anymore.