This guide explains what spamtrap email addresses are.

Preamble

• A spamtrap, also known as a honeypot, is a tool used to detect and catch spammers.
• It is essentially an email address or a system that is created to attract unwanted messages, such as spam.

How a Spamtrap Address Works

A spamtrap address works by attracting spam and identifying the senders of unwanted mail. Here's how it can happen:

1. An email address is specifically created to act as a spam trap; it is generally configured so as not to receive legitimate communication.
2. The spamtrap address is hidden or obscured so that it is not visible to legitimate users, but only to spammers; this can be done by placing it on hidden web pages, in forums inaccessible to the public or by making it invisible to humans (for example by using white text on a white background).
3. Spammers use automated techniques to extract email addresses from various sources, such as websites, forums, social networks, or stolen address lists; during this process, they may inadvertently or intentionally include spamtraps in their lists.
4. When a spammer sends a message to a spamtrap address, it is captured and recorded; since the address is not used for legitimate communication, any mail received is considered unwanted.
5. When a spamtrap receives a spam, it triggers an alert for email service providers like Infomaniak; they can then identify the sender of the spam by examining the message headers or the information related to the source IP address.
6. Once a spammer is identified through a spamtrap, measures can be taken to block or filter their unwanted messages; Infomaniak can add the spammer's IP address to a blacklist, implement stricter anti-spam filters or take other steps to protect their users.