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The Four-Step Plan to End Credit Card Offer SolicitationsJunk credit card offers are more than annoying- they can compromise your financial security or entice you to sign up for more credit cards that you don't need. Unfortunately, they won't just go away, so you'll have to take action against them. Here is an easy, four-step plan to stop receiving credit card offers in the mail. 1. Send a letter: All you have to do to opt out of marketing offers is to write to all of the credit bureaus and let them know you don't want to be on their lists. Include your name, phone number, social security number, and mailing address with your letter. If you've moved within the past 6 months, include your old address as well. You can contact each of the bureaus at the following addresses: Equifax, Inc. Options PO BOX 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374-0123 Experian Consumer "OPT-OUT" 701 Experian Parkway Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Name Removal Option PO Box 97328 Jackson, MS 39288-7328 Innovis Data Solutions Consumer Opt Out P.O. Box 1358 Columbus, OH 43216-1358 For a sample opt out letter, visit the Federal Trade Commission website. 2. Call the opt-out number: If you don't want to send your personal information through the mail, you can call instead. All four credit bureaus can be contacted through a single number 1-888-5-OPTOUT. Call and choose whether you want to opt out for five years or for life. You will be asked to provide your phone number, name, zip code, address, and social security number. Once you decide you don't want their offers for life, you will receive a “notice of election” that you have to sign and return for the opt-out to be complete. 3. Opt out Online: You can also visit www.optoutprescreen.com, where you can opt out of credit card offers for a period of five years or life. The website does not require you to provide you social security number, but providing it will ensure that your request is processed correctly and you never receive any more offers. 4. Stop entering drawings: Stop signing up for credit cards in return for free t-shirts or other goodies. Even though that car in the mall is shiny, new, and free if you win, keep in mind that by entering, you're much more likely to be awarded piles of junk mail than a brand new car. Your information will be sold off to credit card companies looking to take advantage of consumers like you. By-line: Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and credit writer, as well as a regular contributor for BusinessCreditCards.com, a site for comparing business credit card offers. She welcomes questions, comments, and freelancing job inquiries at her email address heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.
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