How To Opt-Out of Mail Offers

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Is your mailbox a minefield of alluring credit card offers and enticing catalogs?  Even when you have a lot of self-control, those offers can be enticing.  Plus, the credit card offers can give identity thieves an easier opportunity  to open credit in your name.  Make your mailbox a safer place by removing all these attractive offers.  Here's how:

Credit Cards


To stop the credit card and insurance offers, you can telephone 1-888-5OptOut (1-888-567-8688) or go to www.optoutprescreen.com.  For more information about opting out of financial and insurance offers, you may go to the FTC Privacy Choices for your Financial Information page, the FTC Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance page, or the FDIC Financial Privacy page for more information.

Unfortunately, there is an exception for companies with whom you already do business.  For example, if you bank with Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo is permitted to send you all the credit card and insurance offers they want, even if you have opted-out.  You can ask individual company to take you off their list.  Your results may vary.

Catalogs


For catalogs, you can start by calling the individual catalog companies, or you may contact the Direct Marketing Association at www.dmachoice.org.  Opting out through the DMA requires that you either furnish credit card information to verify your identity (but it is free and there will be no charge to your card), or print and mail a form with a $1 charge for handling.  I have not yet opted out through the DMA as I find it just as simple to call the few companies from whom I receive catalogs.  The DMA opt out program will only apply to companies that are members of the DMA and offers several choices to allow certain companies to still send you their advertisements and catalogs.  In addition, DMA opt out options include email.

Eliminating extra advertising and offers from your mail will help you maintain control over your spending and possibly help to curb the opportunities for identity theft.  Explore these options to see if they would help you!

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