Subject: Error 550 - IP (138.162.128.21) Blocked for Abuse
This one is GREAT! It really is a Dilbert moment. Note that the SUBJECT of this support request contains all the information that Tech Support should need to correct the problem, but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The customer didn't ask the right way. NO HELP FOR YOU!!!!!!! I also love the fact that this is a US Navy Marine Corps server. It is proof positive that absolutely NO HUMAN INTELLIGENCE is applied in deciding which servers to block.
| Customer | Sirs, You have started blocking e-mails from a U.S. Department of the Navy (Marine Corps) registered IP / e-mail address. Clearly, this is an error on AT&T's part - the network administrators for the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) are not going to contact AT&T to correct this. What needs to happen so that I can send e-mails to my wife from work? Thanks in advance for your help. |
| Tech Support | We'd like to get some details from
your sender so we can get this straightened out quickly. Would you be able to get a copy of any rejection notices? Perhaps sent to an alternate email address such as a free Hotmail or Gmail account? We're looking for details in the non-delivery message that would aid us in getting the mail through. We can intercede on your and your correspondent's behalf but we need to see as much of the full non-delivery message as is possible. It might look something like this: The following recipient(s) could not be reached: yourname@att.net on 10/1/2006 7:13 PM There was a SMTP communication problem with the recipient's email server. Please contact your system administrator. <thesenders.com #5.5.0 smtp; 550-999.88.12.1 blocked by ldap:ou=rblmx,dc=worldnet,dc=att,dc=net> What we're looking for the is the specific numbered IP address of the server being used to send mail to Worldnet. For example 999.88.12.1 in the above sample. (My note: Could the IP address POSSIBLY be in the subject of this request?) If you can get a copy of a bounce message please post it here so we can help you and your correspondents stay connected. We'll get your report and any details to the attention of the mail and internet security teams so this matter can be addressed ASAP. |
| Customer | Have provided the error report, as
requested (though I provided the IP address in the subject line of my
original submission). I have also included the registered Domain
information for the IP address which AT&T has started blocking - clearly
part of the Department of the Navy (navy.mil): (My Note: At this point the customer provided the IP address again, but in the specific format in which Tech Support was willing to accept it. Tech Support advises the customer that the specific military server had been very very naughty, but might be given another chance. However, if it was ever naughty again, it could be cut off forever.) |
In case you ever find yourself in this position with AT&T, copy the text below and substitute your e-mail address and the IP address of the blocked server for the ones highlighted. By placing the information in this magic form, AT&T Tech Support will suddenly be able to tell what the IP address of the blocked server is.
- These recipients of your message have been
processed by the mail server:
your-email@att.net; Failed; 5.3.0 (other or undefined mail
system status)
Remote MTA gateway2.att.net: network error
- SMTP protocol diagnostic: 550-138.162.128.21
blocked by
ldap:ou=rblmx,dc=worldnet,dc=att,dc=net\r\n550 Blocked for abuse. See
http://www.att.net/general-info/rblinquiry.html