Abstract: Automated reply messages such as “out-of-office” messages or “away” messages are messages that have been programmed for delivery on behalf of a user upon the receipt of another message intended for the user. An automated reply message typically includes relevant information regarding the user, such as supplemental contact information for the user, a duration of his or her unavailability, and an agent or other contact who may be reached on his or her behalf while he or she is unavailable. The information contained therein may be harvested and utilized for any means, including to protect the user against fraudulent attempted actions on his or her behalf that are not authorized by the user or an agent identified in the reply message.

Abstract: Automated reply messages such as “out-of-office” messages or “away” messages are messages that have been programmed for delivery on behalf of a user upon the receipt of another message intended for the user. An automated reply message typically includes relevant information regarding the user, such as supplemental contact information for the user, a duration of his or her unavailability, and an agent or other contact who may be reached on his or her behalf while he or she is unavailable. The information contained therein may be harvested and utilized for any means, including to protect the user against fraudulent attempted actions on his or her behalf that are not authorized by the user or an agent identified in the reply message.