I know for certain Gmail takes precautions in protecting user privacy among their email services by masking IP addresses and only displaying Google proxy email addresses in their header, as you may have discovered.
I will perform a test to determine if Yahoo also performs the same amount of privacy measures tomorrow.
Finding an IP address from an email header is often difficult, particularly with large email providers, and may prove ultimately futile. You can be sure the email provider won't tell you anything.
But even if the IP could be obtained it is likely to be less than useful. IP addresses are typically dynamically assigned and may have changed since the email was sent. It may currently be in use by an unrelated third party. Or it might be in use by a public Internet access point, such as anywhere that offers free Wi-Fi.
Even if the IP address is current and correct there is next to nothing you can do with it. The most you could learn is their ISP and general geographic location (city). The ISP won't tell you anything and the geographic area may be seriously wrong. I once tried one of the free IP locator services with my own IP address. The location was off by about 1500 KM, and in the wrong country. Worse examples are known.
If the situation is sufficiently serious contact local police. Otherwise leave it be. There is nothing you can do yourself. An attempt could be dangerous or get you in legal trouble.
Thanks Bree! I figured it would be. It's better that way to protect the user's privacy.
Thread starter @Zippy2222, you will not be successful in finding his IP address through an email header even if the option "full header" is shown by clicking MoreView Raw Message.
I agree with TairikuOkami, if you do threaten that individual it does become an offense.
Hi there
What if they use TOR and a non ISP type of domain.
Then you are probably hosed up royally anyway. The best you can do is just IGNORE totally and send the email straight to junk / trash.
There's enough problems on this planet without trying to create more --if people are 100% rubber ass--les then why bother even dealing with them. Sometimes just better to avoid any future interaction with these types.
Again I don't use "Farcebook", "Twats Charter" or "Linkedin" or even any social media so I wouldn't see any comments good or otherwise what people might write about me. Best way to be --old fashioned chat is still 100% the best way.
Cheers
jimbo
A legitimate course of action could be to report them to abuse@<whoever their mail service is>.com
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