Who Here Hates the Junk Mail? And Why It Can Be Dangerous

One can almost never fail to find a pre-approved credit offer in there mailbox at least once a week. Not only is the wasted paper and added clutter a source of frustration, it is also disturbing to know that others are selling your personal information to these companies that are soliciting you. For some people, it can also be dangerous to have a constant, in-your-face reminder about the latest deals on the credit card front that are best left untouched.
 

Removing yourself from this marketing target lists can also help protect your from credit and identity thefts. As many thieves are aware, it can be quite simple to hit up someone’s mailbox without their knowledge and swipe an envelope that could give the thieves all the information they need to rip off your identity, open a credit card account in your name, or use the balance transfer checks that often accompany promotional mailings.

What if You Are Victimized? 

In the event a criminal does rummage through your mailbox, you may never know that you have been victimized until it is too late. Criminals can request credit cards in your name and stake out your mailbox waiting for the actual card to come in. The cards can be used rather freely online and sometimes even if person, as it has become even less personalized at most major shopping location. Customers rarely are asked to provide proof of identification and instead merely just need to run the credit card through the machines and sign electronically. If you are not receiving statements, you may not realize you’ve been taken for a ride until major credit problems arise and the credit bureaus or the card company itself contacts you for unpaid bills.
 

The same scary scenario can take place if a thief gains access to the blank balance transfer checks that are often mailed without your request. A criminal mind only needs to know a few details about you to be able to pass off the checks to other business or banks for merchandise or cash, which all totaled with go on to the balance of a new credit card you didn’t even know you had.
 

So what can you do to stop these companies from soliciting you without your permission? With a little effort, you can reduce the amount of credit card and other junk solicitations you get in your mailbox.
 

Take it Up With the Bureaus of Credit
Your first line of defense can be to contact the major credit bureaus and request to be taking off the many mailing lists, which the credit bureaus themselves sell to other businesses. You can use the toll-free phone number 888-567-8688. This number is the Consumer Credit Opt In/Opt Out phone number that will enable you to take your name and address information off the lists sold by Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union, as well as the lists at Consumer Credit Associates. You can permanently remove your name or you can opt for a two-year removal period, at which time you can renew your request after the two-year period.  There is an online form available here.
 

On the note of security, it may also make sense for you to invest in a locked mailbox, where mail can be inserted freely but must have a key to take out any mail. Making it more difficult for perpetrators to have access to your mail may help reduce the risk of credit card fraud and personal identity theft. If you think your mail has been tampered with or if you have been denied credit for some reason that does not make sense to you, take advantage of the free credit report you can request when credit is denied to you and take the time to look for any occurrence of fraud involving your credit. Even if you do not suspect any wrongdoings, it is much better to be on the safe side then left in the dust as a victim.
 

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 6:48 pm and is filed under Card Security, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.