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General discussion

Comcast shuts down email account for alleged spamming?

Jul 5, 2009 9:21AM PDT

Have had Comcast Internet access for about 8 months. No recent changes in my operating profile/activities.

Got a email on July 4th stating Comcast had detected suspicious activity from my email account - so Comcast disabled port 25. Comcast gave me no warning, they just made this change. I was instructed to define another port for sending / receiving emails.

I am surprised/ disappointed that Comcast would change my account without first contacting me. I occasionally send/receive emails with video clips (about 3 MB) in size. And on average, send/receive about 50 emails per day. Comcast said this matched the profile of a spammer. That I could have a virus on my computer that is doing illegal activity.

I know Comcast monitors downloads, especially for movies, and will slow down your access speed. And for repeat offenders, even end their service contract. But I had not heard that Comcast was monitoring email activity.

I use the McAfee software Comcast provides to have security and do a weekly virus scan. What Comcast has told me to do to reset my computer has not worked. Spent 3 hours today with their HelpDesk and I'm still unable to use my machine. Never had a problem BEFORE Comcast disable port 25.

Comcast now wants "full access to my computer - to fix my problem". I did not have any problems BEFORE Comcast touched things so I do not think I should trust them.

BUT has anyone else heard of ISPs disabling email accounts like this?

Discussion is locked

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Yup.
Jul 5, 2009 11:56AM PDT

But in many cases the owner was unaware of their wifi being used by others. Let's go over it again. WEP, MAC filters or less security is "no security."

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More details on Comcast
Jul 5, 2009 12:54PM PDT

Not wifi.

Desktop with cable to Motorola cable modem.

I'm a retired I.T. security officer. Have high security settings and run Comcast's McAfee with high settings and frequent virus scans.

Don't think I have a zombie.

In checking another website, this seems to be Comcast's effort to shut down (all ? most?) port 25 connections.

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They are shutting down
Jul 5, 2009 1:44PM PDT
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comcast
Jul 10, 2009 6:44AM PDT

Who cares if they are blocking port 25, go sign up for a free gmail account and use Gmail's smtp with ssl on port 465. You can still use your incoming comcast email account to receive email. Most ISP's nowadays block port 25 by default.

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Smart move.
Jul 10, 2009 7:02AM PDT

I'm hearing this advice daily now. Thanks!

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makes sense
Jul 13, 2009 3:34AM PDT

With all the heavy handed efforts being put forth by most of the major internet providers it makes sense to just bypass them all together.

Go the Gmail route and you won't have to deal with their bullspit.