---
title: How does FPF’s secure email relay work?
description: Learn how FPF protects your privacy when you contact members
---

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# How does FPF’s secure email relay work?

## Learn how FPF protects your privacy when you contact members.

Front Porch Forum is designed to help neighbors connect and build community. Because scams and phishing have become more common online, FPF uses a secure email relay system to enhance your privacy and security.

When a member replies directly to a Forum posting using the Contact Author button, this secure system obscures the posting author’s email address.

#### **Email Privacy**

When you open an email Forum issue and click the "Contact Author" button to send an email, you will no longer see the author's personal email address. Instead, your email provider will open an email draft addressed to an anonymous relay email address.

If you are using the FPF website or mobile app, clicking the “Contact Author” button will [open a simple form instead](https://help.frontporchforum.com/how-to-reply-to-postings?hsLang=en).

Emails sent directly to you in response to your Forum postings should arrive safely in your inbox. The "From" line will display their first name followed by "via FPF Messaging" and an anonymized email address. The email footer includes the sender’s personal email address and a note confirming you’ve received a legitimate Front Porch Forum message.

If you’re having trouble receiving emails from other members in your inbox, [consider trying these solutions](https://help.frontporchforum.com/not-receiving-emails-from-members?hsLang=en).

#### **Email Replies**

Initially, emails sent directly are routed securely through FPF's servers. However, if you receive an email and choose to reply to it, your actual email address will be revealed to the sender.

Once you exchange these initial emails, both the author's and responder's actual email addresses are revealed to one another. This allows you to step outside of the FPF’s system and continue the conversation through your regular email providers.

#### **Contact Author**

For help with using the Contact Author button, please [consult this how-to guide](https://help.frontporchforum.com/how-to-reply-to-postings?hsLang=en).

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