Opt-out options
By
Laura
Bruce • Bankrate.com
Bankrate.com has compiled this list of links and information
on some of the more popular and effective ways consumers can curtail
unwanted telemarketing calls and mailings and protect their financial
privacy.
Telemarketing calls
National
Do Not Call Registry
Register your home and cell
phone numbers to cut down on telemarketing calls. This is for consumers only,
not businesses. It's not all-encompassing. There are still some organizations
that are allowed to call registered numbers. Everything you need to know is explained
on the Web site.
The registration and verification process is easy.
The online registration process requires an active e-mail address.
If you register online, the Federal Trade Commission will send you
an e-mail message with a link in it. Click on the link in the e-mail
within 72 hours to finalize your registration. If you do not have
an e-mail address, you can register by phone (888-382-1222).
Pre-approved credit
offers
Stop the credit bureaus -- Experian, TransUnion, Innovis and
Equifax -- from selling your name to mailing lists. This will cut down on the
number of pre-approved credit offers that you receive.
Go to this Web
site or call 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).
Other
types of junk mail
The Direct Marketing Association is a "trade association of
businesses that advertise their products and services directly to
consumers by mail, telephone, magazine, Internet, radio or television,"
according to its Web
site. The DMA maintains a database of consumers who want to
curtail unsolicited mail. The catch is that only DMA members must
abide by the pledge to take your name off their lists. An annoying
aspect is that you can opt out by mail for free, but opting out
online will cost you $5.
E-mail
spam
You've got spam: How
to "Can" Unwanted E-mail
Read advice from Uncle Sam for reducing the spam that
clogs your e-mail account. There are links that let you report spam
if your request isn't honored, and there are tips to avoid becoming
a victim of e-mail scams.
Restricting financial institutions
from sharing your personal information
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act lets you tell your financial
institution not to share your personal information with third parties.
It's a pretty weak law. The bank can still share plenty of your
information with its affiliates that, these days, can be dozens
of companies. And it can even share information with third parties
if there's a marketing agreement between the two companies. Nevertheless,
it's a good idea to take the time to opt out.
Unfortunately, there's no quick way to opt out with
all of the financial institutions you do business with. You need
to sign up with each one individually. The law states that you must
be given opt-out information when you open an account, and you must
receive notice annually of your right to opt out. But you can opt
out any time by visiting the institution's Web site and looking
for their "privacy" section. Many banks, brokerages and
insurance companies let you opt out by phone, or you can call them
and ask that an opt-out form be mailed to you.
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