Abstract: Traffic handling load on network servers is moderated by delaying POP checks at proxy servers located across the network. Delay of POP check processing is accomplished by intercepting each POP check packet at a proxy server that is nominally local to where the user is located. The proxy server permits a given user's initial POP check to proceed on through the network to the mail server. Thereafter, though, the proxy server only permits that user's received POP checks to proceed onward only after interjecting a delay in the POP process. Optionally, automatic messages are sent on a daily basis to a user who performs abusively rapid POP checks to inform them that their POP checks are being delayed and/or attenuated and educating them how to modify the configuration of their mail client software.