February 17 Category: Playbook
Isn’t it annoying to get all that junk mail from companies trying to get you to apply for their credit cards? Not only is it annoying but it also puts you at risk for identity theft! All it takes for identity theft to happen to you is your mail being delivered to the wrong address or someone stealing your discarded mail, things we refer to as pass interference. Once the credit card offer falls into the wrong hands, that person can apply for the card for you, essentially hijacking your identity.
You are probably wondering where do these credit card companies get your information from anyway and how can you make them stop putting you at risk for identity fraud?
You can protect yourself from pass interference by taking your name off of the credit bureaus mailing lists. The credit bureaus are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to selling your name and information to the credit card companies, who in turn send you all those pre-approved applications. One call to the “Opt Out Request Line” (for Equifax, Trans Union, Experian and Consumer Credit Associates) is all it takes to permanently remove your name from all marketing lists that the credit agencies supply to direct marketers. You can also opt for a two-year period, renewing your request at any time in the future.
Call this one number to opt out of all three bureaus: 1-888-567-8688
*You can also fill out the form online www.optoutprescreen.com to opt out of all credit offers sent to you in the mail*.
Defensive Tip: To get rid of most other junk mail, write a letter giving your complete name, name variations and mailing address to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1-800-407-1088 Opt-Out from all mailing and telemarketing lists