How To: Stop Receiving Credit Card Offers
Junk credit card offers are more than just a nuisance; they can leave you vulnerable to identity theft or tempt you to sign up for credit you don’t need. Unfortunately, they won’t disappear if you ignore them, so you’ll have to do something about it. Here are a few steps that you can take to stop receiving credit card offers in the mail.
1. Send a letter: All you have to do to opt out of marketing offers is to write to all of the credit bureaus and let them know you don’t want to be on their lists. Include your name, phone number, social security number, and mailing address with your letter. If you’ve moved within the past 6 months, include your old address as well. You can contact each of the bureaus at the following addresses:
Equifax, Inc.
Options
PO BOX 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
Experian
Consumer “OPT-OUT”
701 Experian Parkway
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
Name Removal Option
PO Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288-7328
Innovis Data Solutions
Consumer Opt Out
P.O. Box 1358
Columbus, OH 43216-1358
2. Call the opt-out number: If you don’t want to send a letter, you can call instead. All four credit bureaus can be contacted through a single number 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). Call and choose whether you want to opt out for five years or for life. You will be asked to provide your phone number, name, zip code, address, and social security number. Once you decide you don’t want their offers for life, you will receive a “notice of election” that you have to sign and return for the opt-out to be complete.
3. Go online: Visit www.optoutprescreen.com, where you can opt out of credit card offers for a period of five years or life. If you’re hesitant about providing your social security number over the phone or through the mail, this is the option for you. The website does not require you to provide you social security number, but offering it will ensure that your request is processed correctly.
4. Stop entering drawings: That car in the mall is shiny, new, and best of all, free if you win. However, keep in mind that if you enter a drawing, you’re more likely to be awarded piles of junk mail than a sweet ride. Your information will be sold off to organizations looking for customers like you, particularly credit card companies.
5. Payback: If you want to have a little fun with your junk mail, give credit card companies a taste of their own medicine. Find the prepaid envelope that they include in the offer, stuff it with junk mail, then send it back to them. This won’t get you off anyone’s list, but you’ll enjoy the sweet revenge of making them pay for postage, only to get junk in return.
For more information and a sample opt out letter, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
If you enjoyed this article, please bookmark it at del.icio.us
»
