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How Homeowners Association Residents Can Take Action Against Junk Mail

September 11, 2015 / by HOA Manager

Junk_mail_overflowing_in_mailboxDisgusted by all of those unsolicited credit card offers clogging up your mailbox? Tired of lugging catalogs and junk mail to the recycling bin? All of this unwanted mail creates nothing but headaches and wasted paper for homeowners association residents, so it’s no wonder putting an end to it is a priority for many people.

While you can’t eliminate everything, you can noticeably reduce the avalanche of paper in your mailbox just by picking up the phone or hopping online.

So Long, Pre-Screened Credit Offers

If your credit is anywhere near good, credit bureaus are selling your name to credit card companies as a hot prospect. That’s why you’re getting those “you’ve been pre-approved” offers every day.

Put an end to it by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). You will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, Social Security number and date of birth to ensure your opt-out request matches your credit record rather than someone else who shares your name. You can also opt out online here.

If you prefer not to disclose your Social Security number and date of birth, the online form does not require this information. However, the website strongly urges you to provide this information because it helps ensure that your request will be processed correctly, and it protects your information from unauthorized access.

Opting out is good for five years. However, if you’d like your name removed permanently, you will be mailed a confirmation form within about five business days to sign and return. For more information see the FTC’s Facts for Consumers, Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance.

Although you don’t have total control over the information that’s shared by financial companies, you do have some. For more on how to limit data sharing by banks and other financial institutions, read the Privacy Rights Clearing house Fact Sheet 24, Protecting Financial Privacy in the New Millennium: The Burden Is on You.

Jettison the Junk Mail

Homeowners association residents can reduce other types of junk mail including magazine offers, sweepstakes and other national advertising mail by contacting the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS). This opt-out lasts for five years and can be renewed. There is no charge for registering online.

Cut Out the Catalogs

When you buy something from a mail-order catalog, your transaction is likely to be reported to Abacus, a company that compiles a cooperative database of catalog and publishing companies' customers. Your name is then sold to other mail-order companies that send you catalogs and offers. This explains why you are likely to receive several unsolicited catalogs after ordering anything by mail.

To opt out of the Abacus database, write to Abacus, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038 or email abacusoptout@epsilon.com. For more information, click here.

You’ll have to notify companies yourself that do not participate in the DMA and Abacus opt-out programs. Contact the customer service department and request that your name and address not be shared with other companies. Contact magazines, charities, nonprofit organizations and professional associations to which you have either donated money or joined.

It may take a few months to see results, but eventually the mess in your mailbox or homeowners CBU Units will thin out.

The one thing you should look out for in your mailbox? Any communications from your homeowners association, to keep you informed about the happenings in your community.

Help Your HOA Members Be Informed and Involved 

Topics: Living in an HOA, Member of HOA, Resident Tips