How To Reduce Junk Mail

Here are two ways to reduce the amount of unwanted junk mail that you receive. Both methods are affective. The first method deals with general junk mail, except Credit Card offers, which are covered by the second method.

Junk Mail

The Mail Preference Service (MPS) maintains a list of people who do not want to receive junk mail. This "delete list" is distributed to members of the Direct Marketing Association who should then remove your name and address from their lists. Yes, this is getting on another list to be kept off of mailing lists).

Send all variations of you name and address to:

        Mail Preference Service
        Direct Marketing Association
        P.O. Box 9008
        Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

The following are exerpts from a flyer from the Mail Preference Service:

"The Mail Preference Service(MPS) is a free consumer service sponsored by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). Members of DMA market goods and services directly to consumers using such media as direct mail and catalogs, telephone, magazine and newspaper ads and broadcast advertising."

"Most people enjoy receiving information in the mail about subjects that interest them or products and services they may need or want. Some consumers, however, would like to receive less advertising mail. MPS is designed to assist those consumers in decreasing the amount of national nonprofit or commercial mail they receive at home."

"When consumers register with MPS, their names are placed in a name removal file. This "delete" file is made available to business subscribers four times per year - January, April, July and October. Name are maintained on file for five years, after which time consumers should register their names again."

"Will registration with MPS end all advertising mail? No. MPS registrants will probably continue to receive mail from companies with which they do business on a regular basis or from charitable or commercial organizations which are not subscribers from MPS. In addition, registrants may continue to receive mail from many local merchants, professional and alumni associations, and political candidates and office holders."

"Mail of a business-to business nature received at business addresses will also not be affected by registration with MPS. Consumers should note that MPS assists with unwanted third class mail (mail with consumers' name and address), not with mail addressed to "resident" or "occupant." In any of the above instances, consumers should write directly to the company to request name removal from its mailing list."

"What if consumers prefer more mail? In addition to the name removal service, DMA also provides information for consumers who like to shop by mail. The "Great Catalog Guide," a descriptive listing of catalog companies by categories, is available for a $3.00 postage and handling charge. Consumers may request this publication by writing to: Consumer Services, Direct Marketing Association, 1101 17th Street, NW - suite 705, Washington, DC 20036.

Credit Card Offers

Write to TRW, a credit reporting company, at the address below and ask that your name be removed from prescreen and marketing lists. This has a dramatic affect on the number of credit cards offers mailed to your home.

Include your full name and current address.

	Consumer Opt-Out Serive
	TRW Inc.
	PO Box 919
	Allen, TX 75002

	or call (800) 353-0809

You can also request a free copy of your credit history once per year. You must include a copy of an electric, gas or phone bill to verify your address.