Is oitlook.com a valid domain and what should I do if I see it in my email list?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Neil Patel Digital emphasizes the importance of cleaning up email lists and removing misspelled email addresses. Suggests that encountering domains such as `oitlook.com` indicates a typo and that these addresses should be handled carefully to avoid deliverability issues and maintain a good sender reputation. Recommends using email validation tools to automatically identify and correct common typos.
Email marketer from Klenty mentions that `oitlook.com` is likely a typo and describes strategies for identifying and correcting these errors. Advocates for implementing validation steps within the email capture process. Advises cleaning up the data immediately by correcting the typos or immediately removing it.
Email marketer from Sender.net includes common email mistakes. Recommends checking for correct domain spelling, and suggests that `oitlook.com` is likely a mistake. Additionally advises for removing email addresses immediately if the domain name does not exist.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that `oitlook.com` is likely a typo domain squatted by a clickbaiter and recommends replacing it with `outlook.com`.
Email marketer from EmailListValidation states the importance of routine email list maintenance. Notes that domains like `oitlook.com` are errors and that maintaining an email list removes the chance of deliverability errors and wasted resources. Additionally recommends using a data validation software.
Email marketer from Reddit states that `oitlook.com` is almost certainly a typo for `outlook.com` and advises caution. Recommends verifying the user's actual email address through alternative means before taking action, especially if the user is a paying customer. Warns against automatically correcting the email, as this could lead to privacy issues.
Email marketer from StackOverflow discusses various email validation techniques. Addresses issues like typo domains and disposable email addresses. Advises using a combination of client-side and server-side validation. Additionally, it suggests leveraging third-party email verification services to identify and flag potential issues such as `oitlook.com`.
Email marketer from Email Hippo suggests that domains like `oitlook.com` are frequently the result of typos. Recommends using a real-time email verification service to catch these errors at the point of entry, which prevents invalid addresses from entering your database. Highlights that identifying and correcting these issues helps maintain a cleaner list and improves deliverability rates.
Email marketer from Mailjet states that using real-time validation during signup can prevent typo domains. Recommends using an API that suggests corrections to common domain misspellings. It highlights that this proactive approach improves data quality, and reduces bounce rates due to invalid addresses.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from SpamResource addresses how typo domains like `oitlook.com` are common errors in email lists and emphasizes the importance of employing robust email verification processes. Recommends using real-time validation services to catch such typos at the point of entry and advises against automatically correcting the email address. Instead, encourages contacting the user via an alternative channel to confirm their correct email address to prevent sending to potentially malicious domains.
Expert from Email Geeks advises against changing email addresses provided, even if they seem like typos. Suggests implementing better "did you mean?" methods during acquisition to catch such errors.
Expert from Email Geeks shares research that one verification service is unreliable as it reports the `oitlook.com` domain is both safe and has no valid mailservers simultaneously.
Expert from Word to the Wise recommends immediate action when encountering invalid email addresses, including addresses at typo domains like 'oitlook.com.' Explains that failing to address these issues will result in deliverability problems and a potential hit to the sender reputation. Advises immediate removal from the mailing list or, if the user is valuable, outreach to confirm the correct address. Highlights the importance of maintaining a clean email list by implementing checks and validations, such as DNS lookups, to catch potentially harmful email addresses.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from RFC 2822 (updated by RFC 5322) outlines the formal syntax for email addresses. States that while `oitlook.com` technically could be a valid domain name if registered, it is highly likely to be a misspelling. Provides guidance on validating domain names programmatically based on the RFC's specifications to ensure correct format.
Documentation from Microsoft states that the correct domain for Outlook email addresses is `outlook.com`. Any variations, such as `oitlook.com`, are not officially recognized by Microsoft and are very likely to be invalid or fraudulent. Recommends users to verify that the email address is correctly spelled when communicating or providing contact information.
Documentation from OWASP advocates for rigorous input validation to prevent security vulnerabilities. In the context of email addresses, emphasizes that validating the format and domain is crucial. Suggests using regular expressions to validate format and DNS lookups to verify domain existence. Flags `oitlook.com` as a potential error that should be caught during the validation process.
Documentation from IETF explains the Domain Name System (DNS) lookup process. Provides context on how email systems verify the existence of a domain before sending emails. Suggests that a quick DNS lookup for `oitlook.com` can help determine if the domain is registered and has valid mail exchange (MX) records, which can help assess its validity.
Documentation from Google Workspace helps describe domain validity. States that domains like `oitlook.com` are likely invalid and recommends checking email addresses for validity before adding. Additionally recommends implementing real-time data validation practices.