How to Stop Junk Mail

  • October 5, 2010
  • 563 Views
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If you are being overwhelmed with junk mail, use these ideas to stem the delivery of unwanted mail to your home or office.

You Will Need

  • U.S. Post Office
  • Telephone
  • Customer service departments
  • Credit bureaus
  • Direct Marketing Association
  • Internet access
How to Stop Junk Mail: Return junk mail

Step 1: Return junk mail

Return junk mail marked “address correction requested” or “return postage guaranteed” unopened to the sender. Write “Return to sender” on the envelope — otherwise, the post office will not send it back.

How to Stop Junk Mail: Call companies

Step 2: Call companies

Call companies that send you unsolicited catalogs and ask to be taken off their mailing list. Use the 800 number listed on the catalog when placing the call.

How to Stop Junk Mail: Contact customer service departments

Step 3: Contact customer service departments

Call or write to the customer service departments of any organizations that send you unwanted mail and ask that your name be removed from the mailing list.

How to Stop Junk Mail: Notify the three credit bureaus

Step 4: Notify the three credit bureaus

Notify the 3 major credit bureaus — Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian — that you do not want your personal information shared for promotional purposes.

The credit bureaus may sell your name and address to banks and credit card companies. To opt out of receiving pre-approved credit offers for 5 years, call the 1-888-567-8688 or go to OptOutPreScreen.com.

How to Stop Junk Mail: Contact the Direct Marketing Association

Step 5: Contact the Direct Marketing Association

Contact the Direct Marketing Association at and ask them to delete your name from any mailing lists they have that generate promotions and catalogs. There may be a fee, but it will help get rid of junk mail and keep your mailbox empty.

Spam, a word for junk e-mail popularized in 1994, gets its name from a skit that appeared on Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

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