How to stop junk mail for a deceased person

What a great question!

Stopping junk mail for a deceased person can be a bit of a challenge, but it's definitely possible. Here are some steps you can follow to help reduce the amount of junk mail your loved one receives:

  1. Notify the USPS: The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a process in place to help reduce junk mail for deceased individuals. You can submit a request to the USPS to remove the deceased person's name from their mailing list. You'll need to provide the following information:
    • The deceased person's name
    • Their address
    • A copy of the death certificate or obituary notice
    • A letter or form requesting that their name be removed from the USPS's mailing list

You can submit this information to the USPS's National Change of Address (NCOA) department. You can find more information on their website or by contacting your local post office.

  1. Contact the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): The DMA is a trade association that represents the direct marketing industry. They have a program called the "Deceased Do Not Contact" list, which allows you to request that your loved one's name be removed from their member companies' mailing lists. You can submit a request to the DMA by filling out their online form.

  2. Contact individual companies: Many companies, such as credit card companies, banks, and insurance providers, have their own processes for removing deceased individuals from their mailing lists. You can try contacting these companies directly to request that your loved one's name be removed from their mailing lists.

  3. Use online services: There are several online services that can help you stop junk mail for a deceased person. For example, you can use the National Do Not Mail List (NDNML) or the Opt-Out Registry. These services allow you to submit your loved one's name and address to be removed from mailing lists.

  4. Check with local authorities: In some cases, local authorities may be able to help you stop junk mail for a deceased person. For example, you can contact your local county clerk's office or probate court to see if they have any procedures in place for removing deceased individuals from mailing lists.

Remember to always keep a copy of the death certificate and any other documentation you submit to these organizations, as you may need to provide proof of the deceased person's passing.