Suspicious email filter rules
Short answer
A filter can archive, delete or forward matching mail. Review conditions and actions together; do not rely on the Inbox alone.
What you need to know
Find rules that hide or move messages.
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Condition plus action determines the effect
A rule matching security alerts may archive, delete or forward only those messages. Read both parts and inspect the folders it affects. A rule name by itself is not a complete description.
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After editing or deleting a rule
In Gmail, use the filters settings to edit or remove it. Correcting a rule does not itself restore permanently deleted mail or prove who created the rule. Check affected messages separately and record whether the unexpected behavior stopped.
Check, act, and the limit
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Start by checking
List rules affecting security alerts, invoices and reset messages.
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Then act
Disable unrecognized rules, inspect affected folders and secure the account.
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Know the limit
A filter explains message placement; it does not identify who created it.
Next guide: Check email forwarding you did not set
Official sources
Provider security pages this guide is based on. Product details change, so check them before acting.
- Gmail Help: filter rules support.google.com
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