[July 05, 2013]PEORIA -- There are few things
more annoying than junk mail, spam and unsolicited calls and text
messages. Not only are these unwanted communications an annoyance,
but they can potentially lead to identity theft.
But how do you stop them? While it's nearly impossible to completely
eliminate junk mail, spam text messages and unwanted phone calls,
the Better Business Bureau recommends taking the following steps for
getting your inboxes and phone lines under control.
Unwanted
mail shouldn't cost you your identity. Preapproved credit card
offers are an easy target for identity thieves who can steal
incoming mail and use these offers to open fraudulent credit
accounts. Stopping these pre-screened credit offers can help reduce
the chances of identity theft. U.S. consumers can "opt-out" of
receiving preapproved credit card offers for at least five years by
calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688) or by visiting
www.optoutprescreen.com. This service is offered by the three
major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Stop unwanted direct mail solicitations. To stop most
mailings, U.S. consumers can go to
www.dmachoice.org and opt
out of mail from members of the Direct Marketing Association. DMA
regularly updates its list, but it may take up to six months before
solicitations from all DMA members stop.
Has your evening been interrupted by telemarketers? You're
not alone. The U.S. government's National Do Not Call Registry is a
free, easy way to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home. To
register your phone number or to get information about the registry,
visit donotcall.gov, or call
1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. You will
get fewer telemarketing calls within 31 days of registering your
number.
Are you receiving spam text messages? First and foremost,
don't respond. Responding to the text message only confirms a
working number and opens the door for more messages. If your number
is already on the Do Not Call Registry and you're still receiving
messages and phone calls, file a complaint with the FCC and consider
PrivacyStar. AT&T and Verizon have partnered with PrivacyStar to
give you back control of your smartphone. The smartphone
application, available in the U.S. for Android, BlackBerry and
iPhone, lets you block unwanted numbers, look up unknown numbers and
file a complaint with the FTC.
But how do you stop them? While it's nearly impossible to completely
eliminate junk mail, spam text messages and unwanted phone calls,
the Better Business Bureau recommends taking the following steps for
getting your inboxes and phone lines under control.
