> Please also add logic to remove the dot from the email address when matching against your DB.

This is the wrong approach. It's not like this isn't a solved problem.

1. Ask for email.

2. Send confirmation email with a one-time link

3. Do nothing but show a "not yet confirmed, resend?" message until confirmation link has been followed.

This happens to me. I have a common real name so my gmail is used by all sorts of people. I am married and get signed up to dating sites that don't verify email. It is embarrassing.