Kay Robinson: BBB Report

Junk mail is a nuisance for many consumers who receive daily postcards, flyers, specially-marked envelopes and pre-approved credit card offers. Junk mail also presents an opportunity for identity thieves to steal important personal information. However, there are several steps consumers can take to reduce the amount of unwanted mail and the possibility of identity theft.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw out more than four million tons of junk mail every year, and what is one man's garbage is an ID thief's goldmine. A Javelin Strategy and Research survey on ID theft estimates that 8.1 million Americans became victims of ID theft in 2007; with nearly half a million cases of ID theft occurring as the result of stolen mail.

Many people view junk mail simply as a daily nuisance, but if credit card offers and catalogs are heading to the trash can in tact, that unwanted mail can become a much more sinister problem.

The BBB recommends consumers always shred important documents and take steps to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive that could fall into ID thieves' hands:

To "opt-out" of receiving pre-approved credit card offers for at least five years, and perhaps permanently, consumers can call 1-888-567-8688 or visit: www.optoutprescreen.com. This service is offered by the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Consumers will be asked for personal information, including their name, address, birth date and Social Security number. This information is only used to process requests and will remain confidential. This procedure will need to be followed for each adult family member.

Kay Robinson
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