Q. I listed some items on Craigslist. I get e-mail responses on my home e-mail account. The messages come through Craigslist, but I can see the sender’s e-mail address. When I reply to one of the responses, I assume the recipient can see my e-mail address. Can someone find out information about me from my e-mail address alone? If so, what can I do to conceal this information?

A. Yes, it is possible that someone could find out information about you based on your e-mail address.

How likely is it? Well, that depends on how careful you are with your e-mail address and information.

There are sites that claim to list e-mail addresses. In the early days of the Internet, people submitted their addresses. These directories are probably horribly outdated. But, at least theoretically, the directories could distribute your information.

In all likelihood, your information isn't in the directories. But your e-mail could still reveal information about you.

Maybe you’ve posted your e-mail address alongside your name or other information. A search for your e-mail address would turn up this information.

Of course, your e-mail address itself may reveal more than you’d like. For example, use the address janedoe@emailprovider.com, and people will assume your name is Jane Doe.

Someone could use your name to do a background search. Or, maybe they’ll look you up in the phone book.

And remember that you have to use a name when you create an e-mail address. This name shows in the From field, beside your e-mail address.

This shouldn’t deter you from using Craigslist. But there are some precautions you should take.

First, don’t use your primary e-mail address. Create one specifically for Craigslist and/or other sites. When you’re done using the address, cancel the account.

Your ISP provider may provide you with several e-mail addresses. Don’t use one of these. Your name and address will be associated with any e-mail address your service provider gives you. Your provider probably would not disclose this information without a warrant. But the link is there.

Rather, sign up with a free provider like Yahoo!, Hotmail or Gmail. Free e-mail services don’t require identifying information from you. They require a name. But you can use a nickname or your initials.

Choose an e-mail address that doesn’t reveal anything. Avoid using your last name, ZIP code and year of birth. For example, jane123@emailprovider.com is better than the aforementioned janedoe@emailprovider.com. But something like thisistheaddressiuseforcraigslist@emailprovider.com is even better.

Don’t post your e-mail address on the Internet alongside information about yourself. This will prevent people from tracking it back to you.

I assume you’re also being careful about the ad's wording. However, you’re still going to have to meet the person answering the ad. Or, if you complete the transaction via postal mail, you’ll probably be disclosing your name and address.

I recommend completing the transaction in a public place. Bring a friend with you for extra security.