The Validity Sender Score Return Path Blocklist (RPBL) is a high-impact IP blocklist (or blacklist) that lists sending IPs based on evidence of abusive behavior, such as sending to spam traps, failing email authentication, or sending from botnets.
The Validity Sender Score Return Path Blocklist (RPBL) is an IP address based blocklist that identifies sending practices indicative of spam. The blacklist's algorithm analyzes sending behavior in real time, using data from spam traps, message volume, and user complaints to score IP addresses. Listings on this blacklist (or blocklist) occur when the system detects messages from an IP that contain spam indicators, such as suspicious attachments or authentication failures.
The blocklist is operated on the zone bl.score.senderscore.com and is utilized by a wide range of mailbox providers and security vendors, both in the United States and internationally, as part of their email filtering policies. This means that a listing can have a broad impact on your ability to reach the inbox. The primary reasons for an IP address being added to this blacklist include:
The RPBL blacklist is run by Validity. For more than two decades, Validity has provided solutions that help tens of thousands of organizations worldwide to target, contact, engage, and retain customers by using trustworthy data as a significant advantage.
To get your IP address removed from this blocklist, you must first resolve the underlying issue that caused the listing. Once you have identified and corrected the problem, you can request an immediate, temporary removal using the RPBL Blocklist Remover page. This temporary delisting allows you time to fully investigate and fix the root cause. When you submit a request, Validity will share the reason for your listing. It is crucial to address this reason, as your IP will likely be listed on the blacklist again if the problem persists.
Tips for staying off this blocklist
The impact of being listed on the Validity Sender Score Return Path Blocklist (RPBL) is high. Because this blocklist is used by many mailbox providers in the U.S. and internationally, a listing can significantly affect your email deliverability. Mailbox providers that use the RPBL may filter or block your emails, preventing them from reaching the intended recipients. The final filtering decision is at the discretion of each list user, but a listing is a strong negative signal that can harm your sender reputation.
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