So, if I have an e-mail account, let's call it [email protected], and I close that e-mail account, is that address ([email protected])available for someone else to use?

It all depends on the e-mail supplier, as the time for "recycling" varies.
Hotmail and Yahho are around 90 when the address is released for reissue.

Thanks Curlyben - just curious!

Something like your example is more likely to be reallocated before an actual name, as it's quite annon in nature..

Hmmm, interesting - to make a long story short, a neighborhood boy tried to get a credit card in my sons name - the denial letter was sent to my house, I called the credit card co. they told me it was an on-line application, sent from johnsmith123@yahoo (the e-mail account the application was sent from was the neighbor boys name, that's how we knew it was him.. ) the neighbor boy is denying it, saying that he hasn't had the referenced e-mail account since May - I don't buy that for a second, we have had trouble with him in the past, found him on our property when he thinks we're not there, caught him behind the barn hitting bullets with a hammer - great things like that. Anyway, I just wanted to get info about e-mail addresses before I speak with his parents again. Thanks again for your help.

The only way to completely clear this up would involve a supena (sp) to Yahoo for the account information during the time of the application, although asking them the same question about account recycling may be easier.

Sounds like fun and games all over.
Odd that he chose your son's name and address to use yet his Yahoo e-mail..

Yes - we're not dealing with a future brain surgeon... as a matter of fact, we may be dealing with a future felon... I think I'll ask Yahoo the specifics on account recycling as you suggested. Thanks Curlyben