How to Stop Direct Mail Advertising

Last Updated: February 25, 2024 References

Direct mail is the practice of sending marketing information, such as a catalog, postcard or application, to a list of potential clients. Many companies buy and sell their address database to find new customers, announce products and make money. To the public, direct mail is often referred to as "junk mail." Direct mail is an advertising tactic that is successful for many businesses, which is why it continues. Removing yourself from direct mail completely is a multi-step process that requires some diligence. You must contact a number of agencies and then refrain from practices that will add you to a list in the future. This article will teach you how to stop direct mail advertising.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Remove yourself from Mailing Databases

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Telecom companies gather this information and then regularly sell it to businesses and directory companies. Unlisted numbers do not usually have an address associated with them. ^{[1]
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Register to remove your address from the largest mailing list provider in the United States, Mail Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association. Visit dmachoice.org and register your name and address. Remember that your registration for direct mail renewal is only good for 5 years, so you will need to reapply. ^{[2]
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Federal Trade Commission
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Go to optoutprescreen.com or call the number 1-888-5-OPTOUT to take your name and address off the lists of the 3 largest credit monitoring agencies. With 1 call, you can remove your information from the Experian, Trans Union and Equifax monitoring services. These companies sell information to credit card companies, who send you offers. ^{[3]
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- You can also initiate a more permanent opt-out process. Go to optoutprescreen.com, get your 5-year opt-out process completed, and then turn in a signed form once you receive it.
You may want to call banks, stores, insurance companies, frequent flier programs, credit card companies, phone companies and Internet shopping sites. Clarify if you want to be removed from all mailings or just those related to product offers. ^{[4]
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Request that you be removed from their mailing list. If you want to receive some magazines from the company, request that you be put on an infrequent mailing cycle. ^{[5]
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Go to a US Post office or go to USPS.com and request the form. Give all the details of the business or person sending you the offensive junk mail. ^{[6]
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Federal Trade Commission
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Best Practices for Stopping Direct Mail

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Usually contests are a way for companies to gather valuable personal data and selling it on to other companies. The database is worth far more than the prize they are giving away.
For most companies, this is also a way to gather a database filled with valuable survey data. This is usually true of online registrations as well, so only register when it is unavoidable.
With the U.S. Postal Service, they are required to share your new address with companies if your move is listed as permanent. You can still get mail forwarding for 10 months if it is listed as a temporary move, giving you time to give your information to important parties. ^{[7]
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They are required to tell you if they plan to sell your information. You may be given the option of opting out of receiving mailings from the business you are applying to.
Keep a designated list of the middle names you use so that you can contact the offending company to opt-out. This should not be done for bank or government applications.
They may not be required to remove your name from the database, but some companies will tick a box that says you opted out.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, if you believe your information is being abused or you have opted out a few times and it has not worked. Call 1-877-382-4357 or visit ftc.gov. ^{[8]
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Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson
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