Check email forwarding you did not set
Short answer
Unexpected forwarding is a strong reason to secure the account. Inspect both broad forwarding and rules that forward selected messages.
What you need to know
Look for a quiet copy of incoming mail.
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Broad forwarding and filter forwarding are separate
Gmail can forward incoming mail generally or only mail matching a filter. Review both paths; disabling one does not show that the other was checked.
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Confirm the saved result
For Gmail, disable unapproved broad forwarding in its forwarding settings and save the change. Then review forwarding filters separately. A forwarding notice you did not set warrants the provider’s account-security response; simply hiding the notice is not a fix.
Check, act, and the limit
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Start by checking
Find the forwarding destination in the mailbox settings.
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Then act
Disable unfamiliar forwarding, check filters, then change credentials and review sessions.
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Know the limit
A mail client or legitimate workflow may have created a rule; verify the destination.
Next guide: Suspicious email filter rules
Official sources
Provider security pages this guide is based on. Product details change, so check them before acting.
- Gmail Help: automatic forwarding support.google.com
- Microsoft Support: Outlook forwarding support.microsoft.com
HackEmail is an independent guide. We never ask for your password or verification codes, never read messages and never access anyone’s inbox. Not affiliated with Google, Microsoft, Apple or Yahoo.