Backscatter spam refers to bounce-back emails (like delivery failure notifications) sent to people who never actually sent the original email. This usually happens when spammers use someone else’s email address as the sender through spoofing. When those spam messages fail to deliver, the bounce notifications are sent to the innocent sender, leaving their inbox flooded with failure notices, auto-replies, or spam complaints.
Is this a security breach?
Not necessarily. In most cases, your email account or server hasn’t been hacked. Spoofing doesn’t require access to your actual inbox—spammers just pretend to send from your address. Still, it’s a good idea to scan your devices for malware and review recent email activity.
How we’re helping?
We’ve enabled Backscatterer RBL (Real-time Block List) and mail filters at the server level to minimize these unwanted bounce emails. This helps reduce incoming backscatter and protects your domain reputation. We may also prepare global level email filter to discard similar emails.
Can this be prevented completely?
Backscatter can be reduced, but not always completely eliminated, especially if your domain is public and receives regular email traffic. However, the following steps can help:
• Enable SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records correctly.
• Avoid publishing your email address in plain text on public websites.
• Consider using different addresses for contact forms and public listings.
• Inform your contacts to verify suspicious messages that appear to come from you.
