Spam Email

How to Protect Your Email from Spam When Selling Your Cue

When listing a pool cue or billiards item online with Used Cues For Sale, it’s important to protect your personal email address from spam, trackers, scammers, phishing attempts, and unwanted marketing messages.

We strongly recommend creating a free alias email address dedicated solely to your UCFS listings.

One of the easiest and most secure options is Proton Mail, an end-to-end encrypted, privacy-focused, email service with free accounts.

Why Use a Separate Email for Listings?

Using a dedicated email account allows you to:

  • Keep your personal inbox private
  • Filter listing-related messages separately
  • Easily disable the email after your items sells
  • Reduce spam exposure
  • Protect your primary identity online

How to Create a Free Proton Mail Account (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit Proton’s Website

Go to: https://proton.me/mail
Click “Create a free account.”

Step 2: Choose the Free Plan

Select the Free plan option.

The free plan includes:

  • 1 email address
  • 1 GB storage
  • Secure inbox
  • Spam filtering

This is more than sufficient for listing purposes.

Step 3: Choose Your Username

Create a new email address specifically for selling your item.

Example:

Avoid using:

  • Your full personal name
  • Your primary business email
  • Sensitive identifying information

Step 4: Create a Strong Password

Use a unique password that you do not use elsewhere.

Proton may ask for:

  • Phone verification (optional)
  • Recovery email (optional)

You can skip recovery email if you want full separation.

Step 5: Confirm & Access Inbox

Once created:

  • Log into your Proton inbox
  • Familiarize yourself with:
    • Spam folder
    • Blocking tools
    • Filters

Optional: Use a Proton Alias (Advanced)

You can create up to 10 "hide-my-email" aliases with a free Proton Mail account, allowing you to sign up for websites without revealing your primary email address. These aliases are managed through the Proton Pass extension or web app, with all incoming messages forwarded to your main inbox.

This is useful if you:

  • Sell items frequently
  • Want one email per listing
  • Want enhanced privacy

Proton offers three ways to use aliases for free:

  • Hide-my-email Aliases: You can create up to 10 unique, randomly generated aliases (e.g., random.name@passmail.net). These are designed to hide your real address from third parties and can be managed through the Proton Mail Security Center or Proton Pass.
  • +Aliases (Sub-addressing): You have unlimited use of "plus" addresses by adding a + and any keyword to your username (e.g., yourname+newsletters@proton.me). No setup is required; emails sent to these addresses automatically arrive in your inbox.
  • Simple Login (Free Tier): Since Proton acquired Simple Login, you can link your accounts to use its free tier, which also typically provides 10 aliases.

What you cannot do for free:

You cannot create "additional addresses" (non-random, permanent aliases like work.name@proton.me) or use a custom domain on the free plan; these features require a paid Proton Mail Plan

Best Practices for Using Your Listing Email

✔ Use Only for UCFS

Do not use this address for:

  • Personal communication
  • Banking
  • Social media

Keep it isolated.

✔ Do Not Click Suspicious Links

Common scam patterns include:

  • “I will send you a check”
  • “Kindly reply urgently”
  • Requests to move conversation off-platform immediately

If unsure:

  • Do not click links
  • Do not download attachments
  • Report suspicious messages

✔ Consider Disabling the Email Allias After Sale

Once your cue is sold:

  • Log into Proton
  • Delete the alias email. You can always create another alias for another listing.
  • Remove listing-related filters

Important Reminder

UCFS reviews all listings before publishing, but:

  • UCFS does not control private email conversations
  • Sellers are responsible for evaluating inquiries
  • Escrow is recommended for high-value cues

Final Recommendation

For your protection and peace of mind, we strongly recommend using a separate email address for all listings.

It takes less than 5 minutes to create and significantly reduces spam risk.