Reducing junk mail and unwanted solicitations that come to you through the USPS is a very effective step toward your goal of ordering your record keeping and decluttering your life. There are two ways to opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit, insurance, new automobiles, and other consumer products. One way is to opt out of receiving these offers for a period of five years. The second way is to opt out of receiving them permanently. Instruction for both strategies follow:

To opt out for five years:

Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are managed by the major consumer reporting companies.

To opt out permanently:

The permanent opt-out procedure is a two-step process. To begin the permanent Opt-Out process online, visit www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete the process you will be required to return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form that will be provided to you after you initiate the online request. At both junctures you will be required to provide essential personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.

Note: Opting-out will not end solicitations from local merchants, religious, charitable, alumni and professional associations, politicians, and other companies with which you conduct business. To eliminate ail from these groups, as well as other mail, write directly to the source.

You may also send a written request to permanently opt out to each of the major consumer reporting companies. Make sure your request includes your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Another way to reduce unwanted paperwork that comes to you via the USPS is offered through Direct Marketing Association (DMA). Here consumers follow a step-by-step process that offers individuals and households the opportunity to decide for themselves what mail they do and do not want register for. There is a fee of two dollars for this service for a period of ten years.

To explore this option visit:

https://dmachoice.thedma.org/static/about_dma.php .

Registering online is the fastest way to see results but if you prefer to do this on paper via the USPS, you can register by downloading, printing, and completing the mail-in form found here:
https://dmachoice.thedma.org/static/pdf/registration_form.pdf . Include a three dollar processing fee (check or money order payable to DMA) and mail to: DMA. PO Box 900. Cos Cob, CT 06807

Sometimes there are questions and concerns. Listed below are two contacts for consumer-related concerns and complaints:

• Consumer Action (Non-legal advice and referrals on consumer problems) www.consumer–action.org Hotline: 415-777-9635

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: http://www.800helpfla.com
  Within Florida: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)
  En Español: 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832)

Taking the time to reduce unwanted sales solicitations delivered through the USPS are action steps intended to reduce risks associated with identity theft, fraud, and scams. Furthermore, reducing the paper load that enters your household helps reduce paper clutter.

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