AITA Changing someone’s instagram password for using my email
In a moment of unexpected intrusion, a simple email sparked a confrontation that revealed more than just a case of mistaken identity.
What began as a routine check turned into a tense exchange, highlighting the raw emotions and confusion behind a digital mix-up. Instead of retaliating with anger, the original owner chose a path of unexpected kindness and guidance.
By taking control and offering help, he transformed a potential conflict into a unique teaching moment, reminding us that empathy can bridge even the most frustrating divides.
I got an email that “my” account name had been changed. Since I didn’t have an account under the supposed name I checked it out. It wasn’t my account so I dm’ed the other person, “Hi it’s actually [name].
Do you want to change your email?” To which he responded, “No I’m also actually [name] bitch.”
Now this user appeared to be a kid so I decided to use this as a learning opportunity. I changed his password and deleted his recovery phone number.
I then gave him a bio which said, “dm me @[my account] with your email so I can change it for you.”
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
AFTER THIS STORY DROPPED, REDDIT WENT INTO MELTDOWN MODE – CHECK OUT WHAT PEOPLE SAID.:
Support, sarcasm, and strong words — the replies covered it all. This one definitely got people talking.
[deleted] - :- NTA. OK, I *want* to tell you YTA, but honestly this is pretty fucking funny. Kid needs to learn how to act. So, NTA.
Danwrawn - :- NTA, the kid used your email and called you a bitch. You even gave him the chance to change it back, which was nicer than I would've been.
boringparentoftwo - :- NTA - 1) You did the right thing by DMing. 2) The kid responded like an asshole 3) When the kid acted like an asshole you gave him or her a teaching moment. That’s actually nice of you. You could have just deleted the account.
4) It’s not like you’re holding the account hostage. You gave a way to get it back. 5) You don’t need the extra email from Instagram.
AceyAceyAcey - :- NTA I’ve got an Insta account the same way. I use the username $blah$ everywhere, including on GMail/Google. Someone signed up for an Insta account with the username $blah$ and the recovery email account of [email protected] . That account is now mine. Recovery email is ownership.
bigrottentuna - :- NTA. This happens to me all of the time. It seems like everyone in the world with my first initial and last name uses my gmail account username when they don’t want spam email. I have accounts on all kinds of systems because of it.
I get an email notification about “my” twitter/instagram/whatever account, go in and click “reset password”, wait for the change password email sent to my address, change the password, and BAM, I have a twitter/Instagram/whatever account.
I also get people’s medical records, bills, etc. sent to me all of the time. And birthday e-cards from grandma.
I usually respond to let them know about the error and it usually gets corrected, but for at least two years I have been getting regular emails from a collections agency threatening me with all kinds of consequences if I don’t pay “my” membership fee at a health club in New Zealand.
FloatingPencil - :- NTA. Yeah I have [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and some moron decided to threaten me, because they wanted the email address and they'd used it to sign up to loads of accounts.
I then changed their Netflix password (to STOPUSINGMYFUCKINGEMAIL) so they couldn't cancel their 'free' trial, logged them out on all machines so they couldn't use it either, edited their CV on a website to include several typos and an incorrect phone number, deleted their designs on a website and changed the address on the online shopping account they'd registered to 'Next time I order shitloads of expensive stuff, fuck off'. Me? I'm an asshole. You were restrained.
aymarr - :- NTA. This is hilarious because I had a similar thing happen. Some chick was using my email for her IG. I DMed her like 4 times but she never responded. I just removed the email from the account. AND THEN SHE FUCKING ADDED IT BACK. Like girl what??
But you didn't see my 4 DMs?? I should have toyed with her more. Finally she gave up. What's weird is like from what I could tell, her name wasn't close to mine at all. And my email address is literally firstnamemiddlename. Anyway, yeah no this kid deserved it. Maybe he'll learn how emails work.
The original poster felt strongly that their account name was being misused and acted unilaterally to reclaim control by changing the other user's password and removing their contact information.
This aggressive action stemmed from a perceived conflict over identity and ownership of the username.
Did the original poster's immediate punitive and intrusive response—changing the other user's account settings—justify the initial confrontation, or did this escalation represent an inappropriate overreach into another person's digital space?