diff --git a/app/config.py b/app/config.py
index f4e2afe3..ed541a2a 100644
--- a/app/config.py
+++ b/app/config.py
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ PLAUSIBLE_DOMAIN = os.environ.get("PLAUSIBLE_DOMAIN")
 HOST = socket.gethostname()
 
 # by default use a tolerant score
-MAX_SPAM_SCORE = 10
+MAX_SPAM_SCORE = 5.5
 SPAMASSASSIN_HOST = os.environ.get("SPAMASSASSIN_HOST")
 # use a more restrictive score when replying
 MAX_REPLY_PHASE_SPAM_SCORE = 5