Cut Down on Junk Snail Mail

 

TIP OF THE DAY
Cut Down on Junk Snail Mail

 

Isn't it annoying to get all that junk mail from companies trying to get you to apply for their credit cards? This is a typical letter from our readers:

I keep getting pre-approved credit card offers in the mail (several a week), and this makes me very uncomfortable. Many of them are from out of state banks or companies I have never heard of. I have been told there is a way to keep these companies from sending me these offers or inquiring about my credit, but no one has been able to tell me how I should go about this. Is there an address or phone number I can contact to take care of this?

Not only does it kill baby trees, fill up your trash bin and tempt you unnecessarily, you run the real risk of having someone steal your discarded mail and apply for the card for you, essentially hijacking your identity. This is not a pleasant experience. Check out this letter as an example.

Call this one number to opt out of all three bureaus:
You can protect yourself from identity theft by taking your name off of the credit bureaus mailing lists. The credit bureaus are one of the biggest offender when it comes to selling your name and information to the credit card companies who in turn send you all those pre-approved applications. One call to the Opt Out Request Line (for Equifax, Trans Union, Experian and Consumer Credit Associates) is all it takes to permanently remove your name from all marketing lists that the credit agencies supply to direct marketers. You can also opt for a two-year period, renewing your request at any time in the future.

1-888-567-8688

To get rid of most other junk mail, write a letter giving your complete name, name variations and mailing address to:

Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735

1-800-407-1088 Opt-Out from all mailing and telemarketing lists

Once you write, you'll remain on the Direct Marketing Association opt-out list for five years. It may take up to three months before you notice a significant reduction in the amount of direct mail and phone calls you receive.

Source: http://www.creditinfocenter.com/cards/preventSellLists.shtml