Glossary

Spam traps

Related glossary terms

Seed test
Send Time Optimization
Sender ID (Deprecated protocol)
Single opt-in
Smart Network Data Services (SNDS)
SMS message
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP authentication
SMTP relay
SMTP server
Soft bounce
Spam
Spamming
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SSL Certificate

Spam traps

A spam trap is a type of email address used by inbox providers, blocklist operators, or anti-abuse organizations to identify bad sending practices. These addresses aren’t owned by real users and should never receive legitimate email, so if a sender hits one, it’s a clear sign of poor list hygiene or non-consensual acquisition. 

There are generally understood to be two main types: 

  • Pristine traps: Created solely to catch spammers. These addresses have never opted in anywhere and often hide on websites or forums to lure scrapers. 
  • Recycled traps: Previously valid addresses that were abandoned, then reactivated by inbox providers as traps after a period of inactivity. 

Why it matters: 

Hitting a spam trap damages sender reputation and may trigger: 

  • Filtering to spam folders 
  • Placement on blocklists (like Spamhaus) 
  • Reduced deliverability across all recipients 

How to avoid spam traps: 

  • Never buy, rent, or scrape email lists 
  • Use confirmed (double) opt-in to ensure real consent 
  • Regularly remove unengaged or bounced email addresses 
  • Use engagement-based pruning to maintain list quality 

Spam traps don’t file complaints or bounce – they’re quiet but deadly. One hit won’t kill you, but repeated hits can wreck your deliverability. 

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