Can't create a Samsung account, email was used by someone else - help

[Pho]

Just bought my first Samsung phone and tried to create a Samsung account but it appears someone used my email by mistake (happens quite a lot) and it's blocking me from now registering using my own email.

I've tried doing a reset password and have reset the password but when it asks me to verify the email I click on the link and it then asks me to do two-factor verification using - presumably this persons phone - which Samsung shows as somewhere in Syria.

I use Gmail, and even trying the sign in with Google method doesn't work either.

I called Samsung support, and they were very apologitic but told me there's nothing they can do. I got the hint others have this same problem.

I know I can use another email address, but I also don't want someone elses Samsung account tied to my email.

I'm pretty sure I remember seeing a Samsung verification email come in years ago, but I didn't click the verify link and just assumed the account would be auto deleted but it appears not. I've had my Gmail account since it started (~2004) so I can be absolutely sure it was set-up by mistake.

Is there anything I can do? Surely I must be able to request the account is deleted or something? :/

 

[Pho]

I don't want access to the data on the account, I just want my email disassociating from from it so I can use my address.

And yeah, creating another account is easy enough, but I'd still rather not have someone having an account against my email. You'd think there would be some process for that.