Opting out of assorted junk mailings on clarkhoward.com

Clark wants to share a “free insurance policy” that will help you protect your credit. It involves opting out of those pre-approved credit offers. Best of all, it’s free, simple, fast and efficient. You can eliminate more than 90 percent of those pesky offers you’re being bombarded with if your FICO score is 700 or above.

Simply go to OptOutPreScreen.com or call 888-567-8688. Be aware that you’ll be required to give your Social Security number. That’s how credit bureaus track people, so it’s a necessary part of the process. Opting out of these offers is especially important if you move and your mail goes to an old address, or if you have a jointly shared mailbox.

Meanwhile, you also can eliminate other kinds of junk mail for free at DMAChoice.org. In fact, you can even choose to get more junk mail if you want! But who would want that?

Finally, there’s a site in beta that can help cut down on the number of catalogs you receive. The address is CatalogChoice.org, though Clark’s not exactly sure how well the system is working yet.

What others are saying

Renew Your Opt-Out!
If you opt out electronically using the website or phone number, your request is valid for 5 years (as mentioned by Susan in an earlier post). I opted out 5 years ago and, sure enough, the credit card offers have returned.

The website includes instructions for permanent opt-out by signing and mailing a form. Over the phone you won't be told about this option.
By Paul @ 01/10/09 02:18:21 PMreport abuse
Save some trees!
Opt out - your grandkids will thank you.
By stilli @ 09/27/08 06:41:37 PMreport abuse
Cost
Clark, this website requires me to give my credit card or pay them a dollar by check via mail. Is there a cheaper, "free way" to deal with this?
By Thomas Petrilli @ 09/08/08 05:17:52 AMreport abuse
Opting Out Junk Mail
I find it odd, that after completing the OptOutPreScreen.com that it tells you to print out the form and mail it in in order to process. But yet, it does not tell you WHERE to mail it in without digging for that information, and I've yet to find it!!!!
By Gael @ 06/12/08 11:52:43 AMreport abuse
Awesome Consumer Protection
Hey, we all have busy lives with family to care for, and endless activities to do! My plate is full and your's is probably full too! The last thing anyone needs is distraction from the important priorities we all have!
By Michael @ 06/09/08 01:56:42 PMreport abuse
Stop Convenience Checks
You can stop those convenience checks that credit card companies send with your bills or at other times of the month, by calling them and asking them to stop. This saves a lot of shredding!
By Joan @ 06/09/08 10:35:29 AMreport abuse
Opt out for promotional offers
This requires a credit card number. I do not feel comfortable giving them my card number.
By Carolyn @ 06/09/08 07:07:41 AMreport abuse
Opt Out Info
Thanks Clark!
You are the greatest.
By Beverly Johnson @ 06/07/08 06:17:42 AMreport abuse
Opt Out
I do not want unsolicited knocks on the door, mailings, phone calls, or emails. I hope the opt out works. I also don't assume that stopping junk mail will put millions on the street with no jobs; they productivity would simply shift to other parts of the economy. I haven't purchased a VCR player in a while - where did those people go?
By Tony Leuthold @ 06/05/08 11:52:48 AMreport abuse
junk mailing
I found DMAChoice.org to be more than frustrating as many of the catalogs I was getting were not listed by the name of that catalog but under a central clearing house. I had much better luck with CatalogChoice.org or by calling directly to the catalog; much more time consuming but seems to have worked. By the way the OPTOUT site has to be renewed every 5 years as does the "do not call" list.
I also asked (after a tip from a customer service lady at Vermont Country Store) which catalog had "sold" my name to them! They know by a code on the catalog.
By Susan Weed @ 06/04/08 10:50:01 PMreport abuse
opt out is bad
Bulk mail accounts for at least 50% of postal service revenue. Imagine what the economy would be like if the 1.5 million people whose jobs are directly affected by these mailings i.e. postalworkers, advertising, paper companies etc. were suddenly out of work.
By goinpostal @ 06/04/08 07:40:41 PMreport abuse
thank you for this info. I have registered for the above opt out programs.
By anonymous @ 06/04/08 12:53:17 PMreport abuse
Opt Out
I know that "junk" mail can sometimes be a pain, however, it is the main reason we are able to keep our postage rates lower than most of the rest of the world. Just something to think about, anyway, if it is something you don't care about, throw it away (after shredding)
By TJ Fallon @ 06/03/08 08:54:15 PMreport abuse
opt out
opt out
By Michael Green @ 06/03/08 05:10:12 PMreport abuse
Catalog Choice
I began opting out of catalogs via Catalog Choice in January. Within 6 weeks, unwanted catalogs dropped 90%.
By Dan Walden @ 06/03/08 02:44:46 PMreport abuse
Tony
If you would read instead of just assuming you would see that you can opt in. Have fun with O'Bama!
By Chris @ 06/03/08 09:46:28 AMreport abuse
Opt out of Junk Mail
This actually WORKS! I followed the directions on all three sites and within a week the junk mail in my mailbox was cut by 75% and is almost non existent 3 weeks later! 4 and 5 catalogs a day and credit card and insurance applications were out the yazoo. Way too much..... Thanks for the advice!
By Cheryl Williams @ 06/03/08 02:00:34 AMreport abuse
opt out
Why does Clark push this so hard? He likes to put up with the advertising to make other stuff he touts free or cheep. What does he think "junk mail"is? It helps to keep mail rates down. Is there anywhere I can opt in?
By Tony @ 06/03/08 12:34:20 AMreport abuse
OptOut
Did it and the number of offers reduced but not eliminated.
By Rob @ 06/02/08 09:47:20 PMreport abuse
Social security number
I don't see why I should "have" to give the credit "bureau" people my SSN, since I have never given it to them. Here's the situation: My wife is not from the U.S. We got married. We never gave anyone her SSN, and they start sending the junk mail to her. If they have her SSN, where did they get it? If they don't have it, why should I help populate their database our personal details? It's too late for me, but not for my wife and kids...
--Jeff Jewell
By Jeff @ 06/02/08 07:32:34 PMreport abuse
Junk Mail
Remove me off the email list
By Lorenda Edwards @ 06/02/08 07:19:33 PMreport abuse
junk mail
I do not receive any junk mail after I
went to optoutprescreen.com.
Thanks
By wallace long @ 06/02/08 07:01:40 PMreport abuse
opt out
why? i save all and send them back to originator with junk from some one else, pictures from catalogs, newspaper ads even last years daily calendar pages.
By bethannr @ 06/02/08 06:59:29 PMreport abuse
OptOutPreScreen.com
Is it safe to give them your SS number?
By Pat Barger @ 06/02/08 06:48:28 PMreport abuse
business credit cards offers
i would also like to know if there is a source to remove a business from receiving these. i still havent found a way to get rid of the many we get for our small business!
By rebecca @ 06/02/08 05:05:21 PMreport abuse
Business credit card offers
The opt out webpage will not let you opt out of business credit card offers, do you know how to do that?
By Leon @ 06/02/08 04:37:26 PMreport abuse
Magic Jack
Thanks so much for this little treasure. Opted out of having land line as I have a Bed & Breakfast in Algoma. Even sets up for our credit cards. THanks again.
Love all your tips Clark.
Britannia Bed & Breakfast
By Nicky Friend @ 06/02/08 03:33:37 PMreport abuse
Follow up to my junk mail comment
However, I do stop the credit card offers for security purposes, but am pleased to get all other junk mail.
By Ed Puckett @ 06/02/08 03:23:42 PMreport abuse
Majic Jack
I first thought that it was going to work out for us. However, after having it for so long it kept me from calling my long-distance relatives because they have very poor hearing and they could not hear me when I used it after a couple of times of using it. So, we had to ditch it sorry to say.
By Becky & Russ Sparks @ 06/02/08 03:23:14 PMreport abuse
Opting out of Junk mail why?
I don't opt out of junk mail. Normally that is putting hundreds of people to work. From client to designer to printer to bindery to mail house to the post office to the recycling company. Keep everyone working in this country. If I don't want it the mail piece, I can recycle it and need the exercise anyway.
By Ed Puckett @ 06/02/08 03:21:27 PMreport abuse
magic jack
I first heard about magic jack phone service on one of Clark's shows in November 2007. I have been using it since January '08 and I am happy to report that despite a couple of minor glitches, it works great! Well worth the $20 per year for unlimited calling in the US and Canada.
By Chris Ballman @ 05/22/08 01:08:03 PMreport abuse
another way to opt out of catalog offers
I have done optoutfreescreen. It's a good one. You can also find another place to opt out of catalog offers here:
http://engineeradebtfreelife.blogspot.com/2008/05/opt-out-of-catalog-mailingscool.html
By Frugal One @ 05/21/08 05:37:46 PMreport abuse
Opting out from Catalogs.......
When I opt out at CatalogChoice.Org it asks for a reason why I am opting out.
I always click on 'other' and type in 'deceased' in the drop down box. :) It seems to work!
By Dale Neitzel @ 05/21/08 04:52:25 PMreport abuse

Renew Your Opt-Out!

If you opt out electronically using the website or phone number, your request is valid for 5 years (as mentioned by Susan in an earlier post). I opted out 5 years ago and, sure enough, the credit card offers have returned.

The website includes instructions for permanent opt-out by signing and mailing a form. Over the phone you won't be told about this option.

By Paul @ 01/10/09 02:18:21 PMreport abuse

Save some trees!

Opt out - your grandkids will thank you.

By stilli @ 09/27/08 06:41:37 PMreport abuse

Cost

Clark, this website requires me to give my credit card or pay them a dollar by check via mail. Is there a cheaper, "free way" to deal with this?

By Thomas Petrilli @ 09/08/08 05:17:52 AMreport abuse

Opting Out Junk Mail

I find it odd, that after completing the OptOutPreScreen.com that it tells you to print out the form and mail it in in order to process. But yet, it does not tell you WHERE to mail it in without digging for that information, and I've yet to find it!!!!

By Gael @ 06/12/08 11:52:43 AMreport abuse

Awesome Consumer Protection

Hey, we all have busy lives with family to care for, and endless activities to do! My plate is full and your's is probably full too! The last thing anyone needs is distraction from the important priorities we all have!

By Michael @ 06/09/08 01:56:42 PMreport abuse

Stop Convenience Checks

You can stop those convenience checks that credit card companies send with your bills or at other times of the month, by calling them and asking them to stop. This saves a lot of shredding!

By Joan @ 06/09/08 10:35:29 AMreport abuse

Opt out for promotional offers

This requires a credit card number. I do not feel comfortable giving them my card number.

By Carolyn @ 06/09/08 07:07:41 AMreport abuse

Opt Out Info

Thanks Clark!
You are the greatest.

By Beverly Johnson @ 06/07/08 06:17:42 AMreport abuse

Opt Out

I do not want unsolicited knocks on the door, mailings, phone calls, or emails. I hope the opt out works. I also don't assume that stopping junk mail will put millions on the street with no jobs; they productivity would simply shift to other parts of the economy. I haven't purchased a VCR player in a while - where did those people go?

By Tony Leuthold @ 06/05/08 11:52:48 AMreport abuse

junk mailing

I found DMAChoice.org to be more than frustrating as many of the catalogs I was getting were not listed by the name of that catalog but under a central clearing house. I had much better luck with CatalogChoice.org or by calling directly to the catalog; much more time consuming but seems to have worked. By the way the OPTOUT site has to be renewed every 5 years as does the "do not call" list.
I also asked (after a tip from a customer service lady at Vermont Country Store) which catalog had "sold" my name to them! They know by a code on the catalog.

By Susan Weed @ 06/04/08 10:50:01 PMreport abuse

opt out is bad

Bulk mail accounts for at least 50% of postal service revenue. Imagine what the economy would be like if the 1.5 million people whose jobs are directly affected by these mailings i.e. postalworkers, advertising, paper companies etc. were suddenly out of work.

By goinpostal @ 06/04/08 07:40:41 PMreport abuse

thank you for this info. I have registered for the above opt out programs.

By anonymous @ 06/04/08 12:53:17 PMreport abuse

I know that "junk" mail can sometimes be a pain, however, it is the main reason we are able to keep our postage rates lower than most of the rest of the world. Just something to think about, anyway, if it is something you don't care about, throw it away (after shredding)

By TJ Fallon @ 06/03/08 08:54:15 PMreport abuse

opt out

By Michael Green @ 06/03/08 05:10:12 PMreport abuse

Catalog Choice

I began opting out of catalogs via Catalog Choice in January. Within 6 weeks, unwanted catalogs dropped 90%.

By Dan Walden @ 06/03/08 02:44:46 PMreport abuse

Tony

If you would read instead of just assuming you would see that you can opt in. Have fun with O'Bama!

By Chris @ 06/03/08 09:46:28 AMreport abuse

Opt out of Junk Mail

This actually WORKS! I followed the directions on all three sites and within a week the junk mail in my mailbox was cut by 75% and is almost non existent 3 weeks later! 4 and 5 catalogs a day and credit card and insurance applications were out the yazoo. Way too much..... Thanks for the advice!

By Cheryl Williams @ 06/03/08 02:00:34 AMreport abuse

Why does Clark push this so hard? He likes to put up with the advertising to make other stuff he touts free or cheep. What does he think "junk mail"is? It helps to keep mail rates down. Is there anywhere I can opt in?

By Tony @ 06/03/08 12:34:20 AMreport abuse

Did it and the number of offers reduced but not eliminated.

By Rob @ 06/02/08 09:47:20 PMreport abuse

Social security number

I don't see why I should "have" to give the credit "bureau" people my SSN, since I have never given it to them. Here's the situation: My wife is not from the U.S. We got married. We never gave anyone her SSN, and they start sending the junk mail to her. If they have her SSN, where did they get it? If they don't have it, why should I help populate their database our personal details? It's too late for me, but not for my wife and kids...
--Jeff Jewell

By Jeff @ 06/02/08 07:32:34 PMreport abuse

Junk Mail

Remove me off the email list

By Lorenda Edwards @ 06/02/08 07:19:33 PMreport abuse

junk mail

I do not receive any junk mail after I
went to optoutprescreen.com.
Thanks

By wallace long @ 06/02/08 07:01:40 PMreport abuse

why? i save all and send them back to originator with junk from some one else, pictures from catalogs, newspaper ads even last years daily calendar pages.

By bethannr @ 06/02/08 06:59:29 PMreport abuse

OptOutPreScreen.com

Is it safe to give them your SS number?

By Pat Barger @ 06/02/08 06:48:28 PMreport abuse

business credit cards offers

i would also like to know if there is a source to remove a business from receiving these. i still havent found a way to get rid of the many we get for our small business!

By rebecca @ 06/02/08 05:05:21 PMreport abuse

Business credit card offers

The opt out webpage will not let you opt out of business credit card offers, do you know how to do that?

By Leon @ 06/02/08 04:37:26 PMreport abuse

Magic Jack

Thanks so much for this little treasure. Opted out of having land line as I have a Bed & Breakfast in Algoma. Even sets up for our credit cards. THanks again.
Love all your tips Clark.
Britannia Bed & Breakfast

By Nicky Friend @ 06/02/08 03:33:37 PMreport abuse

Follow up to my junk mail comment

However, I do stop the credit card offers for security purposes, but am pleased to get all other junk mail.

By Ed Puckett @ 06/02/08 03:23:42 PMreport abuse

Majic Jack

I first thought that it was going to work out for us. However, after having it for so long it kept me from calling my long-distance relatives because they have very poor hearing and they could not hear me when I used it after a couple of times of using it. So, we had to ditch it sorry to say.

By Becky & Russ Sparks @ 06/02/08 03:23:14 PMreport abuse

Opting out of Junk mail why?

I don't opt out of junk mail. Normally that is putting hundreds of people to work. From client to designer to printer to bindery to mail house to the post office to the recycling company. Keep everyone working in this country. If I don't want it the mail piece, I can recycle it and need the exercise anyway.

By Ed Puckett @ 06/02/08 03:21:27 PMreport abuse

magic jack

I first heard about magic jack phone service on one of Clark's shows in November 2007. I have been using it since January '08 and I am happy to report that despite a couple of minor glitches, it works great! Well worth the $20 per year for unlimited calling in the US and Canada.

By Chris Ballman @ 05/22/08 01:08:03 PMreport abuse

another way to opt out of catalog offers

I have done optoutfreescreen. It's a good one. You can also find another place to opt out of catalog offers here:
http://engineeradebtfreelife.blogspot.com/2008/05/opt-out-of-catalog-mailingscool.html

By Frugal One @ 05/21/08 05:37:46 PMreport abuse

Opting out from Catalogs.......

When I opt out at CatalogChoice.Org it asks for a reason why I am opting out.
I always click on 'other' and type in 'deceased' in the drop down box. :) It seems to work!

By Dale Neitzel @ 05/21/08 04:52:25 PMreport abuse

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May 21, 2008 -- Opting out of assorted junk mailings

What others are saying