Backscatterer
Removal
Self-service (once) / paid express
Cost
Free once, then paid
Time to clear
Immediate on self-removal
About Backscatterer
Backscatterer targets servers that send “backscatter” — bounce messages, auto-replies, or challenge messages to the (usually forged) sender of spam. The fix is to reject bad mail during the SMTP session instead of accepting it and bouncing later. It should only be used on the SMTP HELO/sender check, not for normal mail.
Why an IP gets listed
- Your server accepts mail then sends non-delivery bounces to forged senders.
- Auto-responders/vacation replies or challenge-response systems reply to spam.
- A misconfigured gateway generates late bounces.
How to delist from Backscatterer
- 1Reconfigure your mail server to reject invalid recipients at SMTP time (before accepting), so it never needs to bounce.
- 2Disable or restrict auto-responders and challenge-response systems.
- 3Use the self-service removal on backscatterer.org — the first removal per IP is free.
- 4Repeat listings require the UCEPROTECT paid express removal, so make sure the backscatter has actually stopped.
Before you request removal: fix the root cause first — delisting while the problem persists almost always leads to a fast re-listing. Confirm the IP has valid reverse DNS, and that your SPF, DKIM and DMARC are in order.
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