Unwanted junk mail is not only a nuisance it is also horrible for the environment. Unlike email there is no “spam filter” and no magic “spam folder” to prevent the junk mail from arriving in your mailbox. Luckily there are things that can be done to reduce and potentially stop you receiving unwanted mail. We will be solving this problem by opting out of junk mail and steps to stay off of junk mail lists.
Credit agencies such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion don’t just monitor your credit and provide credit scores. Credit scores are determined using a lot of data that they legally collect about you. This data is extremely valuable to marketing companies that will gladly pay for it.
Is this legal? Yes. Is there a way to stop them selling my data? Yes. We can opt-out of these services reducing the sale of our data which will reduce companies from sending you junk mail.
OptOutPrescreen.com
This site will stop Equifax,Experian, Innovis, TransUnion from using your data for marketing purposes.
Removal: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/selection
Notes:
Use the online tool to opt-out for 5 years or Mail in for a permanent opt-out.
Something I highly recommend people do is to Freeze their credit. Freezing or locking your credit not only protects you from identity theft but gives you control over your data. When you freeze your credit the reporting agency will require your permission to give or sell your data. This will not affect your current accounts or credit score. It is simple to do and your credit can be un-frozen or re-frozen anytime you need to allow access. Check out our guide to Freezing Your Credit.
The two main sites you can use to opt-out of are CatalogChoice and DMAchoice. Neither site can or will completely stop junk mail from reaching you, but they can make a noticeable difference.
CatalogChoice
You can also use the site’s “Cancel A Catalog” search function to find a link or a phone number to use to cancel specific catalogs. You can also sign up and be removed from catalog lists for free.
DMAchoice
You can stop catalog offers, magazine offers and other direct mail offers once you sign up and your name stays off those marketer lists for a full 10 years. This service does cost $2, but it is well worth it.
The two main sites you can use to opt-out of are CatalogChoice and DMAchoice. Neither site can or will completely stop junk mail from reaching you, but they can make a noticeable difference.
Valupak
Valupak is one of the largest coupon mailers and physical mail marketers in the US. Unsubscribing from this Valupak will help suppress your address on many databases on mailing lists.
RetailMeNot
Formerly called Redplum has a huge database used to market online and direct physical mailing. Using their opt-out form will suppress your address from receiving their mailings.
