Permission-based messaging
The published policy says customers may send messages only to recipients who have expressly opted in. Purchased, rented or harvested email and phone lists are prohibited. Confirmed email opt-in and double opt-in text confirmation are described as available tools.
Client agreement
Customers must be able to provide the source of each address or number, the method and time of opt-in, relevant IP address, signup website, disclosures and other details relating to consent. Customers must not use rented, purchased, appended or harvested lists.
Privacy and information use
The policy says collected information may be used to customize content, fulfill requests, improve services, contact users, conduct research and produce anonymous statistics. It states that client email addresses and phone numbers are not sold.
Why a message was received
Recipients should receive commercial messages only where they have agreed to receive communications from the customer using the system.
Report unwanted messages
The published policy directs reports to abuse@forbesthosting.com. Reports may include the original message or an explanation for a non-email message. The policy also references SpamCop and email-provider spam reporting tools.
Monitoring and customer vetting
Forbest Hosting reserves the right to review customer lists and messages, investigate complaints, monitor complaint rates and subscription records, pre-qualify new users and suspend or terminate accounts for violations.
Rule of conduct – prohibited actions
- Harvesting email addresses from websites
- Purchasing or renting contact lists
- Email appending
- Sending messages unrelated to the subscriber’s stated consent
- Adding contacts without permission
- Emailing people who have requested removal
- Sending messages that violate the CAN-SPAM Act
Permitted communications
Messages may be sent to confirmed or double opt-in recipients. Single opt-in is discouraged. Requested or transactional messages such as password reminders and order confirmations are permitted.
Determining spam
The policy describes reviewing message content, subscriber lists, complaints, complaint rates and subscription records. It identifies a complaint rate above 0.2% as a typical warning indicator and refers to public blocklists and ISP listings as possible evidence.
Avoiding abuse
- Send only to contacts who directly and willingly subscribed
- Never purchase or rent contact lists
- Never append addresses without explicit opt-in
- Do not message publicly available lists
- Do not harvest email addresses online
No refunds
Accounts terminated for anti-spam violations are not entitled to refunds.