What words or phrases trigger spam filters? (e.g., "free," "Viagra," urgency words)

Certain words and phrases are associated with spam and can contribute to spam scores. Classic examples include "free," "Viagra," "act now," "limited time," and "congratulations."

However, modern filters have evolved far beyond simple keyword matching. Context matters enormously. The word "free" in a legitimate promotional email from a trusted sender is treated differently than "FREE!!!" from an unknown sender with poor authentication.

Filters analyze word combinations, not just individual terms. "Free trial" from a SaaS company carries different weight than "free money" from an unknown sender. Surrounding content, authentication status, and sender reputation all influence how words are evaluated.

The era of avoiding specific words to dodge spam filters is largely over. Focus on authentication, reputation, and genuine value rather than word-level tricks.