How to stop junk mail from getting into my inbox

The never-ending battle against junk mail! Here are some effective ways to reduce the amount of junk mail that ends up in your inbox:

  1. Opt-out of paper catalogs and mailings:
    • Visit the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) website (www.dmaconsumers.org) and register for the "DMA Mail Preference Service" to remove your name from mailing lists.
    • Contact companies that send you unwanted catalogs and ask to be removed from their mailing lists.
  2. Use online opt-out tools:
    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a "Do Not Mail" list (www.ftc.gov/donotmail) that allows you to opt-out of receiving unsolicited mail.
    • The National Do Not Mail List (www.nationaldonoemail.com) is another online tool that helps you stop unwanted mail.
  3. Register with the National Change of Address (NCOA) database:
    • The NCOA database helps ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new address when you move. This can help reduce junk mail by preventing companies from sending mail to your old address.
  4. Use a mail-blocking service:
    • Services like 41pounds.co.uk (UK) or Catalog Choice (US) can help you stop unwanted mail by blocking your name and address from being shared with companies.
  5. Use a postal service filter:
    • Some postal services, like the US Postal Service, offer filters that can help reduce junk mail. For example, you can request that your mail be sorted by type (e.g., bills, catalogs, junk mail) or that you receive only mail from specific senders.
  6. Use a paperless billing service:
    • Consider switching to paperless billing for your bills and statements. This can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
  7. Be cautious with online forms and surveys:
    • When filling out online forms or surveys, be careful not to check boxes that may lead to your name and address being shared with companies.
  8. Monitor your credit reports:
    • Check your credit reports regularly to ensure that your personal information is accurate and not being shared with unauthorized parties.
  9. Use a junk mail filter:
    • Some email clients, like Gmail, offer filters that can help block junk mail. You can also use third-party filters like SpamAssassin or SpamSieve.
  10. Consider a mail-forwarding service:
    • Services like EarthClassMail or Mailbox Forwarding can help you forward your mail to a secure location, reducing the risk of junk mail and identity theft.

Remember, it may take some time and effort to completely eliminate junk mail from your inbox, but by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.