There are a few ways to get around this.
1. Use double opt-in
2. Don’t use a form to get opt-in signups, use an ok/cancel box style so it signs them up right from their mail program
Use Double Opt-in: This simply means when someone subscribes to your newsletter or mailing list it will send them an email to the address they specified at signup that says “Please verify you requested our newsletter by clicking the link below” Since they must click the link to receive anymore messages, you now have “proof” that the person requested it.
This is proof enough to the spam places that people file complaints with, the problem is, your host might not give a crap and just drop you!
I’ve had this happen before. Someone signed up for my autoresponder and used spam trap email address, I had double opt-in off, and my host just dropped me, without warning. I still to this day NEVER got a Spam ID to dispute the complaint.
The problem was, my host didn’t care because it hurt them for 3 days (the spam complaint). Even though I followed all the rules. See, if someone files a false spam complaint they can be fined $5,000, so it’s very rare that this happens, but even if you do have a valid argument your host most likely cares more about their profits than yours.
That’s why I always recommend “RefHost” I’ve known Steve Lueng for a while and every time I’ve had a complaint we work it out. Now, my problems are more than some because I run membership sites that people advertise their affiliate link. Some unknowing affiliates who don’t know any better will buy mailing lists etc. And I get the complaint because my domain is in the email.
As long as I delete their account we have no problems. I’ve had hosts in the past that don’t bother telling you or working with you and