Tue Feb 09 2010
By JARED ORZOLEK
Many area residents often receive pre-approved credit card offers, insurance sales letters, flyers and catalogs in the mail.
These items weigh down garbage cans and present an opportunity for criminals to find personal information used for identity theft.
But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports there are steps people can take to reduce the amount of unwanted mail that is delivered to their homes.
"Many people view junk mail simply as a daily nuisance, but if credit card offers and catalogs are heading to the trash can intact, that unwanted mail can become a much more sinister problem," said Steve Cox, spokesman for the BBB.
"Preventing ID theft perpetrated through the mail requires a two-step approach of reducing the amount of junk mail received, as well as shredding any sensitive materials such as credit card offers."
An estimated 8.1 million Americans fell victim to identity theft in 2007, and nearly 500,000 of these cases occurred as a result of junk mail, according to a survey.
The Environmental Protection Agency says Americans throw out more than four million tons of junk mail each year.
The BBB recommends that consumers shred important documents and take steps to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive.
To opt-out of pre-approved credit card offers, customers can call 888-5-OPTOUT or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. All three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Transunion) are involved in this service, and those seeking to opt-out will be asked for personal information -- which remains confidential -- like their name, address, birth date and Social Security number. The procedure needs to be followed by each adult in the family.
Others steps can be taken regarding other forms of junk mail that shows up in mailboxes.
Local residents can declare that they no longer wish to receive direct mail offers from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), a trade group with 5,200 member companies that use mail, telephone and the Internet to promote their products.
To stop receiving mailings from DMA members, go to www.dmachoice.org.
Consumers often receive catalogs in the mail, even if they have never shopped with a particular company in the past. To stop receiving specific catalogues, individuals can contact the company which sent it. But to stop receiving mass mailing catalogues, write to Abacus Inc., PO Box 1478, Broomfield, Colo. 80038.
To stop receiving mail addressed to "resident" or "occupant," customers can contact Valassis, formerly ADVO, at 888-241-6760, online at advo.com/consumersupport.html, or send a written request to ADVO Inc., customer assistance, PO Box 249, Windsor, Conn. 06095.
If a child under age 13 is receiving credit card offers in the mail, it could be a sign that identity theft has occurred. Parents should contact the three major credit reporting bureaus in connection with the situation. Equifax can be reached at 800-525-6285, Experian can be reached at 888-397-3742 and Transunion can be reached at 800-680-7289.
For more information on prevention of identify theft, visit www.bbb.org.
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