CONSUMER

How You Can Stop Getting So Much Unwanted Junk Mail

Feb 21, 2019, 5:38 PM | Updated: Feb 7, 2023, 11:20 am

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The industry calls it “direct mail”, “bulk mail” or even “standard mail.” You likely know it as junk mail.

It runs the gamut from pre-approved credit offers and bulk coupons to catalogs, insurance offers and much more.

Putting the kibosh on a lot of that junk can take just a few clicks.

Your first stop should be the Data and Marketing Association. They run a website to help you refuse numerous magazine offers, retail flyers, strange catalogs and more.

The service costs $2, and lasts for 10 years.

Pre-approved credit offers make up a lot of junk mail, much to the delight of identity thieves.

To stop those offers along with insurance offers, sign onto OptOutPrescreen.com. The credit bureaus run the site, so they’ll ask for your Social Security number to prove your identity

Several big companies mail coupons by the bulk. As of yet, there is no central place to go to opt out. There are several options available, individually.

For coupons and flyers mailed out by Money Mailer, you can send an email to ListContactManager@moneymailer.com and include your name and mailing address.

For direct mail you have received from RetailMeNot Everyday (formerly RedPlum) as well ValPak, you can fill out an online form to opt out of their mailers. It could take several weeks before the change takes effect.

Since many charities sell and trade info with each other, a donation could prompt a lot more mail.

Charity watchdog – CharityWatch recommends sending a note with your donation that requests your charity to hold onto your personal info.

KSL 5 TV Live

Consumer

FILE - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) building in Washington, on Jan. 28, 2015. The Federal Tra...

Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer

The FTC voted to bar ‘noncompete’ agreements for most employees

The Federal Trade Commission voted to ban measures known as noncompete agreements, which bar workers from jumping to or starting competing companies for a prescribed period of time.

2 hours ago

Peggy Lundberg tells KSL’s Matt Gephardt about her experience of having her travel credit stolen....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage

Thieves stealing airline travel credits: How you can protect them

If someone steals your credit card or hacks into your bank account, federal law says you should get most of your money back. But what protections do you have when someone steals your airline travel credits?

20 hours ago

Homes that were lost as part of a land collapse on April 22, 2023. (Chopper 5, KSL TV)...

Shelby Lofton

A look back 1 year after 2 Draper homes collapsed in a landslide

One year ago, a landslide in Draper took two houses with it, destroying them and forcing the evacuation of other homes in the area.

1 day ago

FILE - Moab is pictured on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. A trailer park in the city, referred to as the W...

Mary Culbertson

Moab trailer park residents forced into eviction by city after insurance complications

A community in a Moab trailer park is facing eviction, after they waited for six years for an affordable housing project to complete.

1 day ago

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks as he joins Ryan Smith, co-founder and chairman of Smith Enter...

Michael Houck and Lindsay Aerts, KSL TV

Smith Entertainment Group addresses the logistics and politics of bringing the NHL to Utah

On Friday, the NHL and the new owners of the Utah NHL team discussed the exciting opportunities that the team can bring to Beehive State.

4 days ago

The Delta Center welcoming the NHL to Utah after the announcement of the Arizona Coyotes move....

Mike Anderson

One expert says branding a NHL team this fast is a monumental task

The timeline for Utah's new NHL team is rapidly approaching for the 23-24 hockey season, and some marketing experts say the new owners have a huge task ahead. 

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

How You Can Stop Getting So Much Unwanted Junk Mail