Why are Mailgun logs showing emails from unexpected sources using my dedicated IP?

Email marketer from StackOverflow explains that you need to ensure that your SPF record includes your dedicated IP address. If not, other servers will think emails from that IP are spoofed. Check for typos and incorrect entries in your SPF record too.

Email marketer from Mailgun Help Center explains that unexpected email sources showing in logs may be due to inbound routes configured in your Mailgun account. These routes can forward messages to your domain, making it appear as if the emails originated from your IP.

Email marketer from Email Geeks and Mailgun, Renate Burns, clarifies that the emails appear to originate from the user's dedicated IP because the route is configured to forward the message.

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid blog explains that if you're on a shared IP, another sender's actions can affect your deliverability, since ISPs track the reputation of IP addresses. It's possible that spam originating from a 'neighbor' on the shared IP is impacting your reputation.

Email marketer from Email Geeks and Mailgun, Renate Burns, confirms Steve's assessment that the traffic is likely inbound traffic via Mailgun routes. She explains that Mailgun offers inbound MX capabilities and suggests reviewing configured routes in the control panel. The support team can also confirm this.

Email marketer from ReturnPath explains that ISPs consider your sending domain's reputation. Even if your IP reputation is good, problems with your domain's reputation (e.g. being listed in blocklists) can cause deliverability problems.

Email marketer from Reddit explains that having a properly configured reverse DNS (rDNS) record is critical. Without it, incoming mail servers might treat emails originating from your IP as spam, and you should ensure that your rDNS record maps correctly to your domain.

Email marketer from Litmus answers that checking your authentication methods, such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC can help improve your sender reputation. Email authentication is a vital step in ensuring your emails reach the inbox.

Email marketer from Talos Intelligence explains that it is important to check if your IP address is listed on any public blocklists. Listing can severely impact deliverability. You can use tools such as MXToolbox to check if you are on any blocklists.

Email marketer from Mailjet answers that setting up feedback loops with major ISPs allows them to report back to you when recipients mark your emails as spam, which provides visibility and opportunities to correct sending practices. This helps maintain your sender reputation.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that a missing or misconfigured Reverse DNS (rDNS) record can be a primary reason for delivery issues, and thus might cause logs to show unexpected activity. Properly configuring rDNS to match your sending domain is essential for reputation and deliverability.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that a sudden spike in sending volume, especially from a new IP, can trigger spam filters. Gradually warm up your dedicated IP to establish a positive sending reputation with ISPs.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that while less common, it's possible your dedicated IP has been hijacked or compromised, leading to unauthorized sending. Reviewing security measures and access logs is critical.

Expert from Email Geeks, Steve Atkins, suggests the logs Thomas is viewing might be inbound logs showing mail being delivered *to* his domain, likely spam.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that incorrect or incomplete SPF records are a common cause. Ensure your SPF record includes your dedicated IP and any other authorized sending sources. The record should be properly formatted to avoid misinterpretation by receiving servers.

Documentation from RFC Editor explains that it is important to ensure that all Internet-reachable hosts have both forward (A record) and reverse (PTR record) DNS entries. Failure to do so can lead to mail delivery issues.

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that a DMARC policy allows a sender to indicate that their emails are protected by SPF and/or DKIM, and tells a receiver what to do if neither of those authentication methods passes – such as quarantine or reject the message.

Documentation from DKIM.org explains that DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication system designed to detect email spoofing by providing a mechanism to allow mail recipients to determine that an email message claimed to have come from a specific domain was authorized by the owner of that domain. Ensuring that your emails are DKIM-signed properly is vital.

Documentation from Mailgun explains that you can review Mailgun logs to diagnose delivery issues, and to understand the distinction between bounced, dropped and complained events, which can help troubleshoot where email delivery is failing.