Stopping Junk Mail

Q: Several years ago, you printed information about how to get off the junk mail lists. Could you run that again?

A: The direct mail business continues to evolve, so chances are the information from several years ago wouldn't be the most current. Thankfully, SmartMoney magazine recently reported on this topic, writing:

"Most senders of unsolicited junk mail get your name and address from one of three sources: Abacus Catalog Alliance (catalogs), Direct Marketing Association (fliers, brochures, etc.), or the credit bureaus (credit card and insurance offers), says Paul Stephens, a policy analyst with Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer advocacy group. If you do nothing else, take the time to wipe your name from these lists. 'That'll get rid of most of your junk mail,' he says. Here's how to do so:

Abacus Catalog Alliance: Signing up permanently halts the catalog mailings from association members. Email "optout@abacus-direct.com" with your full name and current address.

Direct Marketing Association: Stops direct mail marketing from association companies for five years. There is a $1 fee. Go to DMAConsumers.org to access forms for online or mail-in submission.

OptOutPrescreen.com: This joint venture of the three credit bureaus puts a stop to prescreened credit and insurance solicitations. Sign up to halt these mailings for five years, or stop them permanently. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT, or fill out a form at OptOutPrescreen.com."

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