March 2, 2007
Dear Attorney General,
Is there any way to reduce the amount of junk mail that arrives at my home? Every day, I receive more catalogs, credit card applications and advertisements that I don’t want. Is there some type of “do not solicit” list for junk mail?
Dear Kansas Consumer,
One of the many complaints received by my Office of Consumer Protection is the amount of junk mail delivered to your home. While you can’t stop all commercial mail from arriving at your door, you can take steps to greatly reduce the amount of unwanted solicitations you receive.
Sign up for the DMA Mail Preference Service
To receive less advertising mail, you can register for the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Mail Preference Service. The DMA is a national private marketing association that requires its members to use their name-removal service and encourages all direct mail companies to use the list.
To sign up instantly online, visit www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html
You may also send a letter requesting your name and address removal to: Mail Preference Service (MPS), P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512.
Contact the companies sending you the mail
Most companies that send you advertisements and catalogs maintain their own “do not mail” list. You should call the customer service number listed on the piece of mail and ask to be removed from their mailing list. These companies often ask that you provide them with the source code or customer number located on the catalog near the address label.
Opting out of pre-screened credit card applications
If you are not in the market for a new credit card or insurance policy, you may sign up to opt out of pre-screened mail offers for either five years or on a permanent basis. Removing your name from pre-screened lists has no effect on your ability to apply for or obtain credit insurance, and you can always opt back in for these offers by calling the same number.
To stop pre-screened solicitations based on the lists from the major consumer reporting companies, call 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visit www.optoutprescreen.com
This service requires you to provide certain personal information including your telephone number, name and Social Security number. The information is kept confidential, and is only used to process your opt-out request.
Guard your personal information
The best way to stay off any junk mail lists is to avoid giving out your address. It’s best to read the fine print before signing up for a raffle, sweepstakes or promotion because these organizations often give your information to outside companies. You can tell banks, magazines and charities that you don’t want them to share your name with other organizations and ask your local phone company not to publish your address.
As your Attorney General, I will work to keep Kansans safe by spreading information and promoting awareness of consumer issues. Please contact my Consumer Protection Division at 785-296-3751 or 1-800-432-2310 with your questions or concerns.