Thursday, February 03, 2011

Did you know you can opt-out of getting mailed Credit Card/Insurance "pre-approval" offers free online?

GovGab - How to Opt Out of Pre-Approval Offers

"How often do you receive offers in the mail for a credit card or insurance that you've been pre-approved for?

If you just end up throwing the envelopes into the trash unopened, you might be interested in learning you can opt out of receiving mail like this.

You have two opt-out options: A five-year opt-out period or permanent opt-out.

If you aren't currently in the market for a new credit card or insurance policy, but know you might be in the future, the five-year opt-out period would probably work for you. If you don't want to see offers like this in your mailbox at all, you could consider the permanent option.

To opt out you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visit optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major credit reporting companies and will stop all pre-approval solicitations based on lists organizations receive from the credit reporting companies. ..."

OptOutPrescreen.com

"...

What is the Purpose of this Site?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.

Through this website, you may request to:

  • Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers for Five Years - (electronically through this website).

  • Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers permanently - (mail Permanent Opt-Out Election form available through this website).

  • Opt-In and be eligible to receive Firm Offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed an Opt-Out request - (electronically through this website).

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies.      If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In.  ...

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A five year opt-out is just a web form submission away (note, they ask for your SSN, but it's not required...)

1 comment:

Merchant Services said...

Looks interesting. I admit I receive a lot of those kinds of mails but my spam folder filters them. I might try the website you suggested. Is there any fee?



~Stef