I'm doing more thinking about potential legal fights, although I hope none happen.

What is the legal status for this scenario: If somebody misrepresents the email identity of another individual, and passes it off as another person's account without the other party's knowledge, is this considered fraud? What does the law say about this? How does it work? Should I consult a lawyer?

Well, I don't want to do anything right now. Just thinking about potential defenses, should they be needed.

I repeat: I will NOT strike out or attempt to press charges against anyone unless someone goes after me first. But if I am attacked, I will use every legal means at my disposal to protect myself. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.