Suped

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 User complaints often stem from sending to outdated lists, disregarding unsubscribe requests, or irrelevant content.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

8 marketer 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.

6 Jan 2022 - 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.

17 Apr 2025 - Sendgrid

What the experts say

6 expert 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.

30 Apr 2022 - 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.

27 Oct 2023 - Spamresource.com

What the documentation says

6 technical 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.

6 May 2025 - 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.

9 Sep 2024 - Spamhaus

Start improving your email deliverability today

Sign up