SpamAssassin rule
HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS
From and envelope sender use different domains
+0.249 points
Header test
What HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS means
The domain in the From header differs from the envelope sender (Return-Path). Normal for most email services, but it breaks SPF alignment for DMARC.
The rule's description in SpamAssassin: “From and EnvelopeFrom 2nd level mail domains are different”
How to fix it
Set up a custom return-path or bounce domain on your email service (e.g. bounce.yourdomain.com) so both match.
Does your email trigger HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS?
Send it to a free test address: we run SpamAssassin, check SPF, DKIM and DMARC and show every rule with a fix.
Open the email spam checkerRelated rules
FORGED_GMAIL_RCVDGmail address sent through non-Gmail servers
FREEMAIL_FORGED_REPLYTOFree-mail Reply-To on a different From
FREEMAIL_FROMSent from a free email address
FREEMAIL_REPLYTODifferent free-mail addresses in From and Reply-To
FROM_FMBLA_NEWDOMFrom domain registered in the last 7 days
FROM_FMBLA_NEWDOM14From domain registered in the last 14 days
FROM_FMBLA_NEWDOM28From domain registered in the last 28 days
FSL_HELO_NON_FQDN_1HELO is not a full host name
HELO_DYNAMIC_IPADDRServer introduced itself with a dynamic-looking name
Frequently asked questions
What does HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS mean?
The domain in the From header differs from the envelope sender (Return-Path). Normal for most email services, but it breaks SPF alignment for DMARC.
How do I fix HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS?
Set up a custom return-path or bounce domain on your email service (e.g. bounce.yourdomain.com) so both match.
How many points does HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS add?
0.249 points in the default SpamAssassin ruleset (network tests on, Bayes off). A message is treated as spam from 5.0 points. Mail servers can change scores locally.