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 email address or a system 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 it can happen:

1. An email address is specifically created to act as a spam trap; it is generally 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 public-inaccessible forums or by making it invisible to humans (e.g. by using white text on a white background).
3. Spammers use automated techniques to extract email 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 mail received is considered unwanted.
5. When a spamtrap receives a spam, it triggers an alert for email service providers like Infomaniak; they can then identify the sender of the spam by examining the message headers or the information related to the source IP address.
6. Once a spammer is identified through a spamtrap, measures can be taken to block or filter their unwanted messages; Infomaniak can add the spammer's IP address to a blacklist, implement stricter anti-spam filters, or take other steps to protect their users.