From The Clean Credit Queen
Contributed by Linda Adams, Clean Credit Queen
Check out Linda’s website http://www.cleancreditqueen.com/ and sign up for her free e-news on how to keep your credit clean!
About two weeks ago as I was preparing the final details for last week’s workshop I suddenly realized I was missing something. I was going to need at least 10 different credit card offers to use in one of the workshop activities. My usual habit of shredding credit card offers that came in the mail was going to have to stop for a bit. I decided that I would have to ask my neighbors to save any offers they got in their mailboxes so that I would have enough. Well, I shouldn’t have worried. In the next three days I received over 20 offers from 7 different cards! That was convenient… but a bit excessive.
Right then I decided to ‘Opt Out’. Did you know that there is a national toll free number established by the major consumer credit bureaus to allow you to opt out of (or into) these mailings? Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). The recording will ask for identifying information before allowing you to continue. If you select the permanent option, your request will only take place after you return the form mailed to you. If you select the two or five year option, your request can most likely be completed with just the phone call.
If you are concerned about leaving your social security number when you call, remember, the credit card company most likely already received that from the credit bureaus when they bought your credit information.
There are other numbers to call to opt out of other types of mailers. Most of them require that you call during the daytime. You can call Polk Company 1-800-464-7655 and ask for the Opt Out line. Experian has compiled a database of lists, for non-credit offers you can call them at 1-800-228-4571, ext. 4633 - just be prepared to write down all of the data that they are requesting! For credit offers call 1-888-567-8688 to opt out of all three credit bureau mailings. Money Mailer and Hot Coupons number is 714-265-4100. Since these mailers are printed well in advance, be prepared to receive several more before the Opt Out takes effect.
As a last resort - or perhaps your first - there may be a number, email, snail-mail address, or website listed on the mailers that you receive that you can contact to Opt Out directly. Respond with something like…”Please remove my name from your marketing database. In addition, please do not pass along my name to others through mail list sales or trades. Thank you for your cooperation.” Most mailers will make an effort to comply with your request.
So save a few trees and reduce the amount of junk mail that you get (nearly 50 pounds a year!) by contacting the numbers above.
What does this article have to do with Clean Credit? How about…the fewer temptations you have when trying to stay within your budget, the better! Also every card you apply for causes a hard hit on your credit report and can cost you to lose 5 or more points on your credit score.