🕷️What is a spam trap?
A spam trap is an email address created specifically to identify spammers or careless senders. It's not used by a real person—and if you send emails to it, you get flagged.
There are two main types:
- Pristine traps – never opted into anything
- Recycled traps – old, abandoned addresses now repurposed
🤔Why do spam traps exist?
They're used by:
- Blacklist operators to catch bulk senders
- ISPs and ESPs to detect non-compliant practices
- Anti-spam systems to protect inboxes
Sending to a trap is a signal that you're not validating or maintaining your list properly.
💥What happens if I hit a spam trap?
The consequences can be severe:
⚠️ One trap hit = big trust loss.
🔍How do spam traps end up on my list?
- Scraped or purchased lists
- Old, unengaged subscribers
- Inactive users who never confirmed opt-in
- Lack of email validation
🛡️How can I avoid spam traps?
tools (like Lero)
Always build organically
for all new subscribers
remove inactive users
and prune inactive users
📌 Summary
A spam trap is a hidden email address designed to catch careless senders. Hitting one can destroy your deliverability and sender reputation. Protect yourself with proper list hygiene and email validation.
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