Most organizations are offering people choices about how their personal information is used. For example, many feature an "opt-out" choice that limits the information shared with others of used for promotional purposes. When you choose to "opt-out", it often cuts down on the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls, promotional mail and spam emails that you receive.
To opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers call: 1-888-567-8688- The three major credit bureaus use the same toll-free number to let consumers choose to not receive pre-screened credit offers. You can also notify the three major credit bureaus that you do not want personal information about you shared for promotional purposes.
You can do so by writing to:
| Equifax, Inc. |
Experian |
TransUnion |
| Options |
Consumer Opt-Out |
Marketing List |
| PO Box 740123 |
701 Experian Parkway |
PO Box 97328 |
| Atlanta, GA 30374-0123 |
Allen, TX 75013 |
Jackson, MS 39288 |
The Direct Marketing Association's Mail and Telephone Preference Services allow you to opt out of receiving direct mail marketing and telemarketing calls from many national companies for five years. When you register with these services, your name will be put on a "delete" file and made available to direct-mail and telephone marketers. However, your registration will not stop organizations that are not registered with the DMA's Mail and Telephone Preference Services.
| Direct Marketing Association |
Direct Marketing Association |
| Mail Preference Service |
Telephone Preference Service |
| PO Box 643 |
PO Box 1559 |
| Carmel, NY 10512 |
Carmel, NY 10512 |
You may also go online at www.the-dma.org or www.dmachoice.org and use the DMA's online form.
The DMA also has an Email Preference Service to help you reduce unsolicited commercial emails. To "opt-out", use DMA's online form at http://www.ims-dm.com/cgi/optoutemps.php. Your online request will be effective for one year.