2 websites you should use to cut down on junk mail: Video

Junk mail is one of those annoyances in life we all deal with. We absentmindedly put it into a pile and rip it up before disposing of it. But what if I told you you don’t have to?

With just a few minutes and a few more keystrokes, you can rid your mailbox of junk mail and credit card offers. While there might be a small fee involved, the process takes very little time at all. You will want to recheck and renew your information every few years, but it’ll be worth it.

Watch this video to learn more about stopping junk mail for good.

Stop junk mail 

Use a reputable site to opt out of junk mail cluttering up your mailbox.

If you’re receiving a lot of promotional material from stores you shop at, organizations you’ve donated to or websites you’ve subscribed to, visit their website and check the settings on your profile to opt out of those communications.

For other types of junk mail or promotional material, the United States Postal Service and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommend using the website DMAchoice to remove your name from a lot of the national marketing mail lists. 

The website also lets you opt out of email communication lists and stop mail from being addressed to someone who is deceased or to a dependent at your address.

Visit the website and create a password-protected account. Signing up won’t rid you of junk mail entirely, but the website estimates you’ll see about an 80% reduction. There is a processing fee for the website. At the time of writing, the cost is less than $10 and lasts for 10 years.

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Opt out of credit card applications 

OptOutPrescreen is recommended by the FTC as the website to use to opt out-of offers from companies including Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion. Signing up here will stop a lot of the major creditors from contacting you with their marketing efforts.

You have the option of an electronic opt-out for five years or a permanent opt-out by mail. 

• Electronic opt-out is done via the website and removes your name from their mailing lists for five years. After that time, you can re-add yourself. 
• Permanent opt-out has to be done by confirming your request in writing and mailing it back to them. The form will be mailed to you once you request it on their website. 

This website doesn’t have a fee, but you will need to enter personal information.

Cyber security tips

Whenever you’re entering personal information, always make sure you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network, so don’t do this while you’re sitting in a public coffee shop or at the library.

Double-check that you’re on the right website before entering any personal information, especially for payments.

Shred and discard any of the mail you receive that includes your personal information on it.