How to Stop Credit Solicitations

By eliminating credit-card and loan offers, you will be less apt to apply for easy credit. One way to minimize the number of solicitations you receive from would-be lenders is to get your name added to no-call or no-solicitation lists. Eliminating these solicitations also reduces the number of opportunities identity thieves have to establish credit in your name — and saves a few trees.

Registering your name with no-call or no-solicit lists doesn’t affect your ability to borrow money.

• Call 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) to have your name removed from the marketing lists that are sold by credit bureaus to potential lenders.

• Write the Direct Marketing Association to be removed from its direct mail and phone lists. Be sure to write a letter to each of the following:

  • Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512

  • Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 1559, Carmel, NY 10512

• Register for the National Do Not Call list by clicking this link or calling 888-382-1222.

Unfortunately, you can’t eliminate all unwanted solicitations by getting your names on these lists. Charities, politicians, survey-takers, and companies that you currently do business with are exempt from these rules. However, you can still ask companies individually to add your name to their internal do-not-call lists.