Stop getting credit card offers
So, preapproved credit card offers come in the mail by the dozens. They are a prime vector for identity theft, as getting a card in someone else's name with an adjusted address isn't difficult, but it can ruin a credit rating.
A simple way out of this potential problem?
Don't get the offers.
The offers come from credit card issuers, who get your information from the credit reporting agencies. You can tell the credit reporting agencies not to release your credit information unless you initiate the transaction.
I did this about a year ago, and have received zero credit card offers. I'm thrilled.
So, here's how to do it:
The easy way
Wander over to https://www.optoutprescreen.com, a website set up by the credit reporting agencies. There's an opt-out screen. Fill it out, submit. Done.
The slightly harder way
Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies. Write a letter to them with your name, address, previous address and social security number. Tell them you would like your name removed from the prescreeing lists, and that your name should not be released for any transaction not initiated by you.
The addresses to use (and yes, you should confirm these unless you know and trust me):
c/o Direct Marketing Assn.
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NE 11735-9008
Telephone Preference Service
c/o Direct Marketing Assn.
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NE 11735-9014
Though, better to use the government's Do Not Call list via donotcall.gov. Email preference Service
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html
Equifax Credit Information ServicesOnce you contact one of these agencies to opt-out, they'll remove your name for 2-5 years. They will also send you a letter of confirmation with an attached form you can fill out to be permanently removed from the prescreening lists. Fill it out and mail it back. If you do, the agency you send it back to will inform the other two agencies. Which is a good thing. I used Experian to remove my name and address from the lists.
P.O. Box 740241
Altanta, CA 30374 TransUnion Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA 19094 Experian
901 West Bond
Lincoln, NE 68521
How to stop getting junk mail
Contact the Direct Marketing Association with your name, address, telephone number, and request to remove such from their lists. Mail Preference Servicec/o Direct Marketing Assn.
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NE 11735-9008
Telephone Preference Service
c/o Direct Marketing Assn.
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NE 11735-9014
Though, better to use the government's Do Not Call list via donotcall.gov. Email preference Service
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html