By far, the majority of junk mail you receive is because 1) you have a credit history and 2) your name is on a list (more than likely your name is on many lists).
Many creditors utilize information in your credit reports to send you offers, such as credit cards with “special” introductory rates, mortgage refinance offers, insurance offers, etc. These preapproved/prescreened credit offers can fill your mailbox quickly…and if gotten into the wrong hands can really mess with your credit.
In one simple step you can “opt out” of all of these credit offers. To have your name removed from the lists of each credit reporting agency, go to www.OptOutPrescreen.com. You may also call 1-888-567-8688 if you would prefer to not use the website.
At the website you have 3 options:
- Opt out for 5 years
- Opt out permanently
- Opt in
When you opt out of these prescreened offers you will be asked to provide personal identifying information including your name, address, social security number and date of birth. If you don’t feel comfortable providing your social security number and/or date of birth you may proceed without this information and they will attempt to process your request. If you have a common name they may have more difficulty process your request.
Opting out for 5 years can be done directly through OptOutPrescreen. To opt out permanently you may start the process at the website, however, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to submit a signed document stating you would like to permanently opt out of receiving credit offers.
If you previously opted out and now wish to receive credit offers again, you may use this website to opt back in.
This entire process should take you less than 5 minutes to complete but will have a huge impact on the amount of junk mail you receive!