What are spamtrap networks?

Spamtrap networks are collections of email addresses operated by anti-spam organizations to detect spam. Messages to these addresses shouldn't occur through legitimate opt-in, so hits indicate list quality problems or spam behavior.

Trap types include: pristine traps (created specifically for detection, never opted in), recycled traps (abandoned addresses repurposed after inactivity), and typo traps (common misspellings like gmial.com). Each indicates different problems.

Networks are operated by: **Spamhaus**, major MBPs, blocklist operators, and anti-abuse organizations. They share trap hit data to identify problematic senders. Avoiding traps requires: never buying lists, confirming opt-in, removing bouncing addresses, and practicing regular list hygiene.