Understanding spam traps (Spamtrap / Honeypot)

This guide explains what spamtrap email addresses are.

Spamtrap, honeypot
 

A spamtrap, also known as a honeypot, is a tool used to detect and catch spammers. It is essentially an e-mail address or a system that is created to attract unwanted messages, such as spam.

How a Spamtrap address works

A spamtrap address works by attracting spam and identifying the senders of unwanted mail. Here's how this can happen:

1. An email address is created specifically for the purpose of acting as a spam trap; it is usually configured so as not to receive legitimate communication
2. The spamtrap address is hidden or obscured so that it is not visible to legitimate users, but only to spammers; this can be done by placing it on hidden web pages, in forums that are inaccessible to the public or by making it invisible to humans (e.g. using white text on a white background)
3. Spammers use automated techniques to extract e-mail addresses from various sources, such as websites, forums, social networks or stolen address lists; during this process they may inadvertently or intentionally include spamtraps in their lists
4. When a spammer sends a message to a spamtrap address, it is captured and recorded; since the address is not used for legitimate communication, any received mail is considered undesirable
5. When a spamtrap receives a spam, it triggers an alert for mail service providers such as Infomaniak, which can identify the spam sender by examining the message headers or information related to the source IP address.
6. Once a spammer is identified through a spamtrap address, measures can be taken to block or filter its unwanted messages; Infomaniak can add the spammer's IP address to a blacklist, put in place stricter spam filters or take other measures to protect their users