This is a major reason why many people throughout the word receive so much  “junk mail” and so many “pre-approved” credit card offers in the mail. Yet, many consumers are unaware that they are receiving these types of mailings or cold-calls due to the fact that one of the major credit bureaus has sold their personal information.

The business of credit is a money-making business that has no qualms with sharing your information for monetary gain.

However, there is hope on the horizon. If you personally request that your personal information and details are not shared or sold to mailing lists, then the credit bureaus are obligated by law not to share your information. Federal law upholds your request and must be met without debate. (Find credit repair information here)

The simplest manner in which you can have your name removed from being sold to mailing lists is to contact the national opt-out hotline.

Simply call the following toll free hotline: 1-888-567-8688.

This will prevent the following credit bureau’s: Trans Union, Equifax, Innovis, and Experian from sharing your information with other parties. Calling this hotline will allow you to remove your name from being sold by these firms for a total of two years. You will then have to have your name added back to the opt-out list two years later. This is something you should be very aware of.

The above number will state that you will not need to contact the firms individually. However, there is no harm in contacting each firm individually, along with using the opt-out hotline.

You can have your information removed from the mailing list by Experian, perhaps the most well known of the credit bureau’s by visiting their website at:
www.experian.com . You may also contact them by telephone at: 1-800-407-1088.

This is an automated hotline that will walk you through the necessary steps of having your information removed. You may also send a letter requesting your opt-out if you wish to track your mailing and keep it on record in case you later discover that they have still shared your information.

The mailing address for Experian’s Opt-Out listing is as follows:
Experian (Consumer Opt Out)
PO Box 2106
701 Experian Parkway, Allen, TX 75013

The great thing about contacting Experian and removing yourself from their list is that they will also notify Trans Union and Equifax on your behalf with the same request.

To remove your name from Equifax on your own you may contact them directory via their website: www.equifax.com or phone them toll free at: 800.685.1111 You may also send them direct mail at the following address:
Equifax (Consumer Opt Out)
PO Box 740123,
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123