Junk Mail
6 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Unsolicited Mail
1. Remove Your Name From Val-Pak & Direct Marketing
A postcard template for being removed from Val-Pak Coupons and Direct Marketing Association lists is available online. Be sure to list all variations of your name.
Examples: Peter Rabbit, Pete Rabbit, Paula Rabbit, P. Rabbit
For a small fee, you can also opt out of the DMA list online.
2. Contact Common Sources of Junk Mail
Contact the following businesses to request your name be taken off their lists:
Credit card offers
Call any contact number printed on the mailer or catalog and tell them you want to be taken off their list.
You can also write a simple letter stating that you want your name removed. It is easier for the organization to remove your name if they have the exact copy of your address label. Cut or peel off the address label and glue or tape the label to the bottom of your letter.
A sample letter that you can cut and paste is available online.
4. Buying Over the Phone or Online
When you buy from companies over the phone or online, make sure to let the company know: “Do not sell my name!”
5. Checks & Mail Orders
Write on the bottom of checks and mail orders “Do not sell my name!”
6. Don't Use the Post Office's Change of Address Cards
Don’t use Change of Address cards supplied by the Post Office. The Post Office provides the information from Change of Address cards to private businesses. This is how national list brokers, credit bureaus and others may get your name in the first place. Instead, send out your own postcards announcing your new address to those whose mail you want to receive. You can also ask the Post Office to hold your mail for pick-up until everyone knows your new address.
Contact the following businesses to request your name be taken off their lists:
Credit card offers
- Equifax / Trans Union / Novus / Experian
Phone: 888-567-8688
- Publisher’s Clearinghouse
Phone: 800-645-9242 - Reader’s Digest
Phone: 800-334-9599 or write to:
Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes Department
Reader’s Digest Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
- Valassis (formerly Advo):
Website or send a signed letter to:
P.O. Box 249
Windsor, CT 06095 - PennySaver / Potpourri:
Phone: 800-479-4795
- Abacus
Email or send full name and current address to:
P.O. Box 1478
Broomfield, CO 80038
Call any contact number printed on the mailer or catalog and tell them you want to be taken off their list.
You can also write a simple letter stating that you want your name removed. It is easier for the organization to remove your name if they have the exact copy of your address label. Cut or peel off the address label and glue or tape the label to the bottom of your letter.
A sample letter that you can cut and paste is available online.
4. Buying Over the Phone or Online
When you buy from companies over the phone or online, make sure to let the company know: “Do not sell my name!”
5. Checks & Mail Orders
Write on the bottom of checks and mail orders “Do not sell my name!”
6. Don't Use the Post Office's Change of Address Cards
Don’t use Change of Address cards supplied by the Post Office. The Post Office provides the information from Change of Address cards to private businesses. This is how national list brokers, credit bureaus and others may get your name in the first place. Instead, send out your own postcards announcing your new address to those whose mail you want to receive. You can also ask the Post Office to hold your mail for pick-up until everyone knows your new address.
Methods That Do Not Work
The 2 things that don’t work to reduce unsolicited mail are:
Refusing Unsolicited Mail
Writing “Return to Sender” or “Refused” on unsolicited mail and placing it in your mailbox does not work. The U.S. Post Office does not forward third-class bulk mail, so this mail will be discarded.
Returning Unsolicited Mail Postage Due
Trying to get the attention of a company by returning your accumulated junk mail in an envelope with insufficient postage does not work.
The 2 things that don’t work to reduce unsolicited mail are:
Refusing Unsolicited Mail
Writing “Return to Sender” or “Refused” on unsolicited mail and placing it in your mailbox does not work. The U.S. Post Office does not forward third-class bulk mail, so this mail will be discarded.
Returning Unsolicited Mail Postage Due
Trying to get the attention of a company by returning your accumulated junk mail in an envelope with insufficient postage does not work.