What should I know about Spamcop user complaints and blocklisting?

Summary

Spamcop is a free service utilizing user-reported spam to identify and block spam sources, impacting email deliverability through its blocklist, used by various email systems including Mimecast. The automated delisting process generally occurs within 24 hours of spam activity ceasing, though the algorithm is unclear, and listings can originate from spamtraps. User complaints often stem from sending to outdated lists, disregarding unsubscribe requests, or irrelevant content. Avoiding Spamcop blocklisting involves obtaining explicit consent, maintaining clean lists, promptly processing unsubscribes, and monitoring reputation/feedback loops. Regular monitoring of Spamcop listings via tools like MXToolbox and proactive investigation/correction of sending practices are critical, including reviewing email content for spam triggers. Although an older blocklist, and less widely used than some, Spamcop remains a factor for deliverability. Most Spamcop users directly report spam without unsubscribing first.

Key findings

  • Function and Reporting: Spamcop uses user-reported spam to identify and block sources, with users typically reporting without unsubscribing.
  • Delisting Process: Automated delisting occurs after a period of inactivity (usually 24 hours), but the exact algorithm is unknown.
  • Impact on Deliverability: Spamcop's blocklist, used by various systems, can significantly impact deliverability by blocking or spam filtering emails.
  • Complaint Origins: Complaints arise from sending to old lists, not honoring unsubscribes, or sending irrelevant content.
  • Spam Traps: Some listings originate from spam traps
  • Monitoring: Monitoring Spamcop (and other Blocklists) helps to proactively identify if you have been listed.

Key considerations

  • Consent and List Management: Obtain explicit consent and maintain clean, updated lists to minimize complaints.
  • Unsubscribe Handling: Promptly process unsubscribe requests.
  • Proactive Monitoring: Regularly monitor Spamcop and other blocklists to detect and address listings quickly, using tools like MXToolbox.
  • Content Review: Review email content and subject lines for potential spam triggers.
  • Reputation Management: Monitor sending reputation and feedback loops to ensure proper email deliverability.
  • Prompt Remediation: If listed, investigate the cause and take corrective actions to address underlying issues.

What email marketers say
8Marketer opinions

Spamcop blocklisting can significantly impact email deliverability by reducing open rates and increasing bounce rates, as many email providers use Spamcop's data. Spamcop complaints often result from users reporting emails as spam due to issues like sending to old lists, ignoring unsubscribes, or irrelevant content. To avoid blocklisting, obtain explicit consent, keep lists clean and updated, promptly handle unsubscribe requests, and monitor sending reputation and feedback loops. Regular monitoring of Spamcop listings and setting up alerts are also crucial. If listed, investigate the cause, take corrective actions, and check email content and subject lines for spam triggers. Consistent monitoring and quick response are essential to minimize damage to sender reputation and delivery rates.

Key opinions

  • Impact: Spamcop blocklisting significantly reduces email deliverability, lowering open rates and increasing bounce rates.
  • Causes: Complaints arise from sending to old lists, not honoring unsubscribes, or delivering irrelevant content.
  • Reporting: Spamcop allows users to easily report spam, leading to IP address or domain being added to the blocklist.
  • Reputation Damage: Being listed on Spamcop negatively affects sender reputation, resulting in lower deliverability rates.

Key considerations

  • Consent: Ensure explicit consent from subscribers to avoid being reported as spam.
  • List Hygiene: Maintain clean and up-to-date email lists to reduce spam complaints.
  • Unsubscribes: Promptly process unsubscribe requests to prevent users from reporting emails as spam.
  • Monitoring: Regularly monitor Spamcop listings and set up alerts to quickly address any issues.
  • Content Review: Check email content and subject lines for potential spam triggers.
  • Proactive Response: Investigate and take corrective actions immediately if your IP or domain is blocklisted.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that getting blocklisted by Spamcop can significantly impact email deliverability. Even a short listing can cause a drop in open rates and increased bounce rates, as many email providers use Spamcop's data.

July 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Sendgrid shares that to avoid Spamcop blocklisting, ensure you have explicit consent from subscribers, maintain clean and up-to-date lists, and promptly process unsubscribe requests. Also, monitor your sending reputation and feedback loops.

August 2023 - Sendgrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that being listed on Spamcop can negatively impact your sender reputation, leading to lower deliverability rates. It's important to monitor your reputation and quickly address any issues to avoid long-term effects.

April 2024 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit advises to check your email content and subject lines for spam triggers if you are listed in Spamcop. Sometimes, certain words or phrases can trigger spam filters and lead to user complaints.

May 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from black hat forum advises to monitor Spamcop listings regularly and set up alerts. If you get listed, investigate the cause immediately and take corrective actions such as reviewing your sending practices and list hygiene.

December 2024 - Black Hat Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that Spamcop allows users to easily report spam by forwarding emails. Spamcop then analyzes these reports to identify spam sources and add them to its blocklist, which is used by various email providers.

May 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailDrip shares that you should actively monitor blacklists like Spamcop, Spamhaus etc to see if your domain is blocked.

April 2023 - EmailDrip
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange explains that Spamcop complaints usually mean a user has reported your email as spam. This could be due to sending to old lists, not honoring unsubscribes, or sending irrelevant content.

August 2021 - StackExchange

What the experts say
6Expert opinions

Spamcop automatically delists IPs after a period of no further spam complaints, typically within 24 hours, though the exact algorithm is unclear. Some listings may originate from spamtraps. Most Spamcop users report spam without unsubscribing and may report the first message they receive or report after unsubscribing but still receiving mail. Spamcop's blocklist is used by various email systems and services, including Mimecast and another mid-tier ISP, and impacts email delivery by blocking or sending emails to the spam folder. Regular monitoring of blocklists, including Spamcop, is crucial to address issues quickly and minimize the impact on email delivery.

Key opinions

  • Delisting: Spamcop automatically delists IPs after a period of no further complaints, usually within 24 hours.
  • Spamtraps: Some Spamcop listings originate from spamtraps.
  • User Behavior: Spamcop users typically report spam without unsubscribing.
  • Usage: Spamcop's blocklist is used by various email systems, including Mimecast.
  • Impact: Spamcop's listing can block emails or send them to the spam folder.

Key considerations

  • Monitoring: Regularly monitor blocklists like Spamcop to ensure your IPs aren't listed.
  • Response Time: Address any Spamcop-related issues quickly to minimize impact on email delivery.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that most Spamcop users are unlikely to unsubscribe after reporting spam and are more likely to report the first message or report after unsubscribing and still receiving mail.

July 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com explains that Spamcop automatically delists IPs after a period of no further spam complaints, typically within 24 hours. However, the exact algorithm is not publicly disclosed.

August 2023 - Spamresource.com
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com shares that Spamcop's blocklist is used by various email systems and services. If you're listed, your emails may be blocked or sent to the spam folder for recipients using those systems.

February 2022 - Spamresource.com
Expert view

Expert from Wordtothewise.com states that it's crucial to monitor blocklists like Spamcop to ensure your sending IPs aren't listed. Regular monitoring allows you to address any issues quickly and minimize the impact on your email delivery.

February 2023 - Wordtothewise.com
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that Spamcop will automatically delist you, but the delisting algorithm isn't clear. Some listings come from spamtraps maintained by Spamcop.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that Mimecast uses Spamcop, and there's another mid-tier ISP that uses them. You can see the bounces as they’re used as a traditional block list rather than part of a scoring system.

May 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Spamcop is a free service that identifies and blocks spam sources based on user-reported spam, which is analyzed to generate reports used to block the source. Spamcop blocking typically lasts 24 hours if spam ceases, but can be longer with repeated offenses or high volumes. The listing and delisting are automated. Spamcop maintains a blocklist used by various email providers and integrated into anti-spam solutions. MXToolbox can be used to check if an IP or domain is listed. While an older blocklist and not as widely used as others like Spamhaus, Spamcop can still affect deliverability. Spamcop lists IPs that send reported spam, with removal occurring automatically once the activity stops.

Key findings

  • Function: Spamcop identifies and blocks spam sources based on user-reported spam.
  • Blocking Duration: Blocking typically lasts 24 hours if spam stops, but can be longer.
  • Automation: Listing and delisting are automated based on spam reports.
  • Blocklist Use: Spamcop maintains a blocklist used by various email providers.
  • Monitoring Tool: MXToolbox can be used to check for Spamcop listings.
  • Listing Criteria: Spamcop lists IPs that have sent spam reported by its users, with automatic removal upon cessation of spam activity.

Key considerations

  • MXToolbox Monitoring: Use MXToolbox to actively monitor your IPs/domains on Spamcop's list
  • Reputation Management: Maintain a good sender reputation by avoiding sending spam
  • Address High Volumes: Handle High spam volumes with care, to ensure you don't get blacklisted for long
Technical article

Documentation from Spamcop.net explains that Spamcop is a free service that uses reported spam to identify and block spam sources. Users forward suspected spam to Spamcop, which analyzes the email and identifies the source. Spamcop then generates a report that can be used to block the source.

February 2022 - Spamcop.net
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus details that Spamcop is an older blocklist that isn't as widely used as some others, but it can still be a factor in deliverability for some recipients. Spamhaus is different and has a broader scope.

August 2023 - Spamhaus
Technical article

Documentation from Spamcop.net details that Spamcop blocking typically lasts 24 hours if spam stops. Repeated offenses or high spam volumes can lead to longer blocking periods. The listing and delisting are automated, based on spam reports received.

March 2025 - Spamcop.net
Technical article

Documentation from MXToolbox explains that you can use their tool to check if your IP address or domain is listed on the Spamcop blocklist. This can help you identify if you're being blocked and take steps to resolve the issue.

August 2023 - MXToolbox
Technical article

Documentation from MultiRBL explains that Spamcop lists IP addresses that have sent spam reported by its users. The listing is based on the volume and frequency of spam reports, and it's automatically removed once the spam activity ceases.

July 2024 - MultiRBL
Technical article

Documentation from Spamcop.net explains that Spamcop maintains a blocklist that is used by various email service providers and organizations to filter spam. Spamcop's data is integrated into various commercial and open-source anti-spam solutions.

December 2021 - Spamcop.net