When was the last time you were hit with identity fraud? The last credit card offer you received? Did you realize that they might be related? Through the magic of data mining, pre-printed credit card offers you receive in the mail, and the three major credit reporting bureaus, there is a lot of data floating around about you. It may feel like there is nothing you can do about keeping your nose, er, data clean, but there certainly is.
One of the services that doesn’t get a lot of press is OptOutPreScreen.com. This is a legit website that allows you to opt out of unsolicited credit card and insurance offers for five years or forever.
There is no charge to make an Opt Out request through OptOutPrescreen.com, and you don’t have to provide all that much info.
Due to the rash of data breaches (Uber, Equifax, Target, take your pick), we’re all just taking a little more care with our personal info. Because I personally get hit with credit card fraud about twice each year, I certainly am paying attention. OptOutPreScreen.com only takes less than five minutes to complete on just a couple of screens. Just so you know you are in the right place when you get there, here are the two screens that you’ll fill out.
It’s much easier than pulling your credit report online (which you should totally do right now at www.AnnualCreditReport.com).
When you Opt Out of Junk Mail to Stay Organized, you will cut down on the amount of junk mail you receive. It will specifically reduce the amount of unsolicited credit card offers you receive. However, if an organization has a relationship with you, like your alma mater or your favorite department store, they will legally continue to reach out to you with offers.
Listen, I’m completely aware that there are people who live their entire lives shuffling their debt from one low interest introductory offer to another. That doesn’t make these offers valuable. It just keeps you in debt and keeps your dining room table covered in clutter. Do yourself a favor, and opt out now.
I am suspicious of anything that asks for my SSN. Isn’t that some way to “opt-out” without revealing that information?
Pat, you don’t have to be suspicious of this one, which is why I posted the screen shots. It’s legit. They need your SSN on this service because it is related to your financial history. But, yes, there is a process where you can opt out by mail. It takes a couple of weeks to get the form, but apply and follow those instructions at the same site.
Thank you, Darla, for helping to reduce my mountain of junk mail!