How to stop spam and junk mail

The never-ending battle against spam and junk mail! Here are some effective ways to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive:

Opt-out and unsubscribe

  1. National Do Not Mail List: Register your name and address on the National Do Not Mail List (DNML) to reduce unwanted mail. While not foolproof, it's a good starting point.
  2. Unsubscribe links: Look for unsubscribe links at the bottom of junk mailers. Clicking on them will remove your email address from their mailing list.
  3. Contact the sender: Reach out to the company or organization sending the junk mail and ask to be removed from their mailing list.

Prevent mail from being sent to you

  1. Remove your name from public directories: Opt out of public directories like Whitepages, PeopleFinder, and other online directories that sell your contact information.
  2. Use a PO box or mail forwarding service: Consider using a PO box or mail forwarding service to receive mail, which can help filter out junk mail.
  3. Use a spam filter: Install a spam filter on your email account or use a third-party service to block unwanted emails.

Report spam and junk mail

  1. Report spam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC has a website where you can report spam and junk mail.
  2. Contact your local post office: Report junk mail to your local post office, and they may be able to help you stop it.

Use postal service services

  1. USPS Informed Delivery: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers Informed Delivery, a free service that scans your mail and sends you digital images of the front side of your mail, allowing you to filter out junk mail.
  2. USPS Mail Preference Service: The USPS offers a Mail Preference Service that can help reduce unwanted mail.

Other tips

  1. Be cautious with online forms: Be careful when filling out online forms, as they may collect your contact information and sell it to third parties.
  2. Use a secure email provider: Use a reputable email provider that offers strong spam filtering and security features.
  3. Monitor your credit report: Check your credit report regularly to ensure no unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name.
  4. Use a junk mail filter: Consider using a junk mail filter, like a paper shredder or a mail sorting system, to help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

Remember, it's an ongoing battle, and it may take some time to completely eliminate spam and junk mail. However, by following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.