Helpful Hint for the Junk Mail Weary *UPDATED*

  (for U.S. customers only ** SEE THE UPDATE BELOW**)

Tired of receiving all those credit card offers in the mailbox?  Well, here are 3 companies to write to...simply tell them you wish to  OPT-OUT from any Prescreened Offers of Credit.

Experian Target Marketing
P.O. Box 919
701 Experian Parkway B2
Allen, TX  75013

Equifax Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA  30374-0123

Trans Union Corporation
Attn:  Marketing Opt Out
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA  19094-0505

There is a number you can call for all three companies - 1-888-567-8688
However - when I called this number, it was a lengthy process AND they wanted my Social Security number and birthdate.  I do not give out my SS number unnecessarily so I wrote to the companies instead.

These three companies don't cover EVERYTHING - but it should reduce your junk mail considerably.  Unfortunately, it only lasts for 5 years so expect to do it again, especially if you change your address.

UPDATED - Ian just directed me to an even better option - the OPTOUT website. It is a quick form to fill out and acts just the same as writing to the companies above.  Plus, I noticed there is an additional company associated with this website. 

It does ask for your Social Security number - but it is NOT required.  Thanks Ian!

Comments

[chrisb]

We get bagfuls of junk mail here in UK and they are talking about charging us for taking away rubbish and recycling. I object to the possibility of paying to have something taken away that I didn't ask for in the beginning!!

[Ian Healy]

Karmyn - you can do it online at www.optoutprescreen.com. I did that and cut our junk mail down 98%. You should post that link - it's free and run by those same credit companies. You have to renew every 5 years if you just do it online, but is that really much of a trade-off?

Ian

[jodi]

It's funny you posted this... I just contacted all three companies last week!!

I hope it works!

[Robin (the pensieve one)]

You know what I saw Andy Rooney do one re: these stupid credit card offers? I think it went like this: He used (or recommended) using THEIR postage paid return envelope (so it would cost the company money) and either writing "no thanks" on the offer or returning it empty. Either way, they were out the cost of the postage and the idea was if enough people did this, they might get tired of paying for it....

[Heather Goodman]

good tips. i hate thinking of how many trees gave their lives for junk mail.

[BarnGoddess]

thanks! if I get one more Visa/MC offer in the mail, I am gonna scream!!!!!

I had 4 yesterday in my PO box, crazy. Think if the trees they are killing with all that useless paper mail.

[beckie]

I'm on my way to the web site...

[Tracey]

But this cuts out half the fun! Instead, you should use those prepaid envelopes and mail some sort of offer back to them, like a time share condo. Or tell them all about how your great aunt Mabel went into the poor house because of their company. This way their pre-paid postage isn't wasted ;)

[Tiggerlane]

Thanks for the tip!

My kid always wants to answer the phone when telemarketers call, and she has some great ideas - but I'm afraid they would hunt us down for being freaks.

[melissa]

Oh, I love you so much for posting this.

[claudia]

This is AWESOME! Definitely useful info!!

[Angela at mommy bytes]

You should also check out http://www.catalogchoice.org They will contact catalogs to stop sending you catalogs FOR FREE! Great web interface and they've gotten over 100,000 in the first 2 weeks.