How to configure Gmail so that filtered user gets an NDR (non-deliverable receipt) or “bounce” message

Question

Someone is sending our public email address a lot of rude email. Basically, stuff filled with threats, expletives, insults and offensive jargon.

I know how to set up a filter in Gmail so that all message from a particular email address are auto-deleted. I'm wondering if there's a way for Gmail to send him back an NDR. "NDR" is basically the technical term for a bounce message.

Anyone ever seen anything like this? Any labs that do this?

Any third party services that do this on your behalf?

It would be a great little tool which I think a lot of people would use. Sort of a "you've been blocked!" auto-reply.

Answer 1

There is no way to send back an actual SMTP bounce message, but you can send back an automated response if you really want to. Go to your Gmail Labs Settings and turn on the "Canned Responses" lab. This lets you save snippets of text, which can then be inserted into emails automatically.

Create a new message, the way you normally would. Write the auto-response you want to send to your trouble-making email sender. Click on the "Canned responses" menu, and choose "Save as new canned response"

Now, go edit the filter for your hooligan. Under the filter actions page, check the box for "send canned response", and select the response you want to send. Voila! Now, any time you receive an email from them, your predefined message will automatically be dispatched to tell them what an evil emailer they are.