Overview
Issues can arise when two users share similar NetIDs (e.g. abc123 & abc321).
Issue
If you are consistently receiving communications which are intended for other campus members, it may be due to another campus member's NetID or name being very similarly spelled to another. Similar NetIDs are not a technical issue but can lead to confusion when searching for campus members who have similar names in applications such as email clients or file sharing software. This may result in misrouted communication or unintended access being granted to the wrong person. If you are experiencing this issue, it may be worth to consider changing your NetID.
NOTE: Technology Services will not enforce a NetID change for a campus member on the basis of similar spelling or structure.
Solution
Choosing a distinctive NetID can reduce confusion for campus members. Instead of choosing a short and generic NetID, consider choosing a more detailed NetID. For example, instead of Paul, a campus member could opt for TheLisanAlGaib10191.
If you have received a one-off message intended for another campus member, or been granted access to a file you did not request, consider contacting the initiator and informing them of the situation.
If you have tried the above but are still receiving unintended communications, click here for instructions on changing your NetID. If you require any assistance, contact Help Desk Central at helpdesk@tamu.edu or 979-845-8300.