TL;DR: Two services cut most US junk mail. OptOutPrescreen.com (or 1-888-567-8688) stops prescreened credit and insurance offers for five years or permanently. DMAchoice.org lets you choose which catalogs, magazine offers and other mailers you get; the FTC says it costs $6 online and lasts 10 years. Free DMAchoice lists also stop mail to someone who has died or a dependent in your care. Expect it to take a few months to notice the drop.
Why junk mail is a privacy problem
Every catalog and credit offer in your mailbox means your name and address are on a list someone bought. Pre-approved credit offers are the worst: they're addressed to you, and a stolen one can be used to apply for credit in your name. Cutting the volume reduces both the clutter and the risk.
Step 1: Stop prescreened credit and insurance offers
The credit bureaus run OptOutPrescreen. According to the FTC:
- Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688.
- Choose a five-year opt-out or a permanent one. For permanent, you must sign and return the form you're sent.
- You'll be asked for your name and address. Social Security number and date of birth are optional but help match your file.
We cover this in more detail, including how to spot fake opt-out sites, in how to opt out of prescreened credit offers.
Step 2: Register with DMAchoice
DMAchoice is the mail preference service run by the Association of National Advertisers. The FTC says:
- Registration costs $6 online, or $7 by mail (send your name, signed address and a check or money order payable to the ANA).
- It lasts 10 years.
- You pick categories: catalogs, magazine offers and other mail offers.
- It stops "most, but not all" promotional mail, because only companies that use the list are covered.
Step 3: Use the free deceased and caretaker lists
DMAchoice also runs a Deceased Do Not Contact List for mail addressed to someone who has died, and a Do Not Contact for Caretakers list for a dependent in your care. The FTC notes these registrations stay on the list permanently. Mail addressed to someone who has died can be used to steal their identity, so this is worth doing early; see protecting a loved one's identity after death.
Step 4: Go after the mailers that keep coming
- Contact the sender: call or email the company and ask to be removed from its mailing list and not to share your details. Most catalogs print a customer service number on the back.
- Use your state privacy rights: in states with privacy laws, you can ask a company to stop selling or sharing your data. See US state privacy laws.
- Opt out of data brokers: many mailing lists are built from broker data. Start with removing your info from US data brokers.
- Watch what you sign up for: warranty cards, sweepstakes and store loyalty forms often allow your address to be shared.
Calls and email too
Junk mail usually comes with junk calls. Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry (it's free), and use our guide to blocking spam email in Gmail and Outlook. In the UK, the equivalent service is the Mailing Preference Service; see TPS and MPS.
Shred what you don't want
Until the volume drops, shred or tear up anything with your name, address, account numbers or a pre-approved offer. If you think someone is redirecting or stealing your mail, read what to do if someone is using your address.
Spam email is driven by the same lists, plus breach data. A free email exposure check shows which breaches leaked your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop junk mail in the US?
Opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offers at OptOutPrescreen.com, register with DMAchoice.org to choose which catalogs and mailers you receive, and contact companies that keep mailing you.
How much does DMAchoice cost?
The FTC says DMAchoice costs $6 online or $7 by mail, and registration lasts 10 years.
Is OptOutPrescreen legit?
Yes. It is the official opt-out run by the credit bureaus, also reachable at 1-888-567-8688. You can opt out for five years or permanently.
How do I stop junk mail for someone who died?
Register them on the DMAchoice Deceased Do Not Contact List. The FTC notes the registration stays on the list permanently.
How long does it take for junk mail to stop?
Expect a few months, because mailers already printed or scheduled will still arrive.
Sources
- FTC: Stopping unsolicited mail, phone calls and email
- DMAchoice (Association of National Advertisers)