How can I stop someone from using my email address to send spam?

To prevent spammers from using your email address, the key is implementing and actively managing email authentication protocols. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies authorized sending IP addresses. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to verify the email's origin and integrity. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) builds upon SPF and DKIM by allowing domain owners to define policies for handling unauthenticated email, offering reporting to monitor domain usage. Setting DMARC to 'quarantine' or 'reject' provides more robust protection than 'none'. In addition to implementing these technical measures, it's essential to monitor domain and IP reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS, check domain reputation in blocklists, and address any negative feedback or listings promptly. Avoid publishing email addresses in plain text on web pages to prevent harvesting. Finally, prepare customer service representatives with a pre-written response to address inquiries about spam.

To prevent spammers from using your email address, the consensus is to implement email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. SPF specifies authorized mail servers, DKIM adds a digital signature for verification, and DMARC tells receiving servers how to handle unauthenticated emails. It's important to monitor DMARC reports, as well as your domain and IP reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS, to identify and address any malicious activity. Setting DMARC to 'quarantine' or 'reject' provides better protection than 'none', though 'none' is useful for initial monitoring without disrupting legitimate email. Regularly checking domain reputation in blocklists and promptly addressing any issues is also recommended.

To address the issue of spammers using your email address, a multi-faceted approach is recommended. In the short term, providing customer service representatives with a pre-written response explaining the situation can help manage customer inquiries. To prevent address harvesting, avoid posting email addresses in plain text on websites. Monitor DMARC reports to identify unauthorized senders, adjust SPF and DKIM records, and refine the DMARC policy. Also, continuously monitor your domain's reputation across various blocklists and reputation services to promptly address any listings or negative feedback.

The provided documentation consistently emphasizes the importance of implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC) to prevent spammers from using your email address. SPF records specify authorized sending IP addresses, DKIM adds a digital signature for verification, and DMARC dictates how receiving servers should handle unauthenticated emails. DMARC also provides reporting to monitor domain usage. Proper email authentication is crucial for SMTP mail to prevent spoofing and unwanted server usage.