A free guide to reducing unwanted or intrusive advertising
Junk mail may seem as inevitable as death and taxes, but with a little patience there are effective ways to tackle the problem. This guide provides clear, simple and proven reduction techniques. About 20 minutes investment now will clear the junk for between two and five years.
General Techniques
Your name, address, and buying habits are a commodity that is regularly sold & traded on the open market. These days organizations you deal with virtually all sell your name unless you specifically ask them to stop. Here are some general techniques:
- Whenever you donate money, order a product or service, or fill out a warranty card, write in large letters, "Please do not sell my name or address". Most organizations will properly mark your name in the computer.
- Product warranty cards are are often used to collection information on your habits and income, for the sole purpose of targeting direct mail. They are not required in most situations - avoid sending them.
- On the telephone, ask "Please mark my account so that my name is not traded or sold to other companies".
- Your credit card company probably sells your name the most often. Call them and ask them to stop.
- "Contests" where you fill in a little entry blank are almost always fishing expeditions for names. If you fill one out at a football game, for example, expect to get a catalog of football merchandise within a few months. Avoid these if you don't want the mail.
- Select a false middle name or initial for each charity or business you deal with. Keep track of which letter goes with which organization. You can also select a false road designator, "avenue, place, circle, street, highway, parkway, etc.". This step can be very revealing. Some guides recommend changing the spelling of your name, but this can lead to duplicate mailings.
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posted by Clint at 2:46 PM
Comments on "Stop Junk Mail - Part 1"
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Anonymous said ... (12:19 PM) :
post a commentOne of the most important steps that you can take to reduce you junk mail and protect your privacy is to opt out of prescreened offers of credit and insurance. It is your right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, is completely free, and takes about five minutes. I have posted all the details at Quarterlife Finance; please read and share this information with anyone important to you. With a little work we may be able to put an end to this disgusting practice.