What is Spam Eating Monkey?

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bl.spameatingmonkey.net and backscatter.spameatingmonkey.net check IPs, and uribl.spameatingmonkey.net checks domains.

What the operator says

"We are not blocking your mail." Spam Eating Monkey FAQ, read 1 Nov 2026.

What it really measures

Reputation, from spam traps and from user reports. Each list looks at something different:

  • bl is IPs sending to those traps, or listed by policy.
  • backscatter is IPs sending bounces and auto-replies to them.
  • uribl is domains and links found in that mail.

Why you might be there

A policy listing can mean a home connection that should not send directly, a known spam group, ignoring unsubscribe requests, or a list gathered by scraping. If you see backscatter, look at your auto-replies and bounces first.

What to think about

The site says the receiving server's administrator makes the decision to block, and that incorrect listings do happen, for example when addresses change hands.

How to get off it

bl and backscatter clear after 15 days without another hit, and uribl after 30 days. If you ask for removal, it is reviewed within 24 hours, though a no is still an answer. Start at the list query.

Want a hand getting this delisted? Here is how to write to a list's operator, or ask a person on our free SOS Hotline. Tell us the list and the IP or domain, and we reply within 48 to 72 hours.

A separate job: cleaning your list does not remove a listing. If you also want to know who on your list is safe to send to, clean your first 1,000 free.

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