SORBS Spam

SORBS Spam was the core spam source list within the SORBS (Spam and Open Relay Blocking System) suite, tracking IP addresses from which spam had been directly sent and received. While other SORBS sub-lists targeted specific abuse types (open relays, proxies, dynamic IPs), the Spam list captured observed spam sending.

SORBS Spam was one of the most widely queried blacklists globally during its operational years, forming a key component of many spam filtering setups. SORBS ceased all operations in 2024.

SORBS maintained a network of spam trap addresses. When an IP sent email to a trap, it was listed in the Spam list. SORBS also accepted manual spam reports from users and organizations. The list included a paid removal option which was controversial — critics argued it created incentives misaligned with accurate listing, while proponents noted it funded operational costs.

SORBS closed in 2024 and no longer accepts removal requests. All historical SORBS Spam listings are now moot. If you are seeing SORBS-related blocks, check whether the system querying them is using stale SORBS DNS zones — updating to active alternatives such as Spamhaus ZEN is recommended.