How to stop junk mail from previous owner
The pesky problem of junk mail from a previous owner! Here are some steps to help you stop receiving junk mail from the previous owner:
- Contact the credit reporting agencies: The previous owner's credit report may still be linked to your address. Contact the three major credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com
- Request a "fraud alert" or "security freeze" to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Notify the USPS: File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to stop mail delivery to the previous owner's address. You can do this online or by visiting your local post office.
- Contact the previous owner's creditors: Reach out to the creditors listed on the previous owner's credit report and inform them of the change in ownership. This may help prevent them from sending junk mail to your address.
- Opt-out of pre-approved credit offers: You can opt-out of receiving pre-approved credit offers for five years by registering with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.optoutprescreen.com.
- Contact the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): The DMA is a trade association that represents the direct marketing industry. You can contact them to request that they remove your name and address from their mailing lists:
- Phone: 1-212-768-7277
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.the-dma.org
- Check with local authorities: If you're still receiving junk mail from the previous owner, contact your local authorities, such as the county clerk's office or the sheriff's department, to see if they can help you resolve the issue.
- Consider a mail forwarding service: If you're still receiving mail from the previous owner, you may want to consider using a mail forwarding service to forward the mail to your new address.
Remember to also update your address with your bank, credit card company, and other relevant institutions to ensure that you receive any important mail and bills at your new address.