How to Get Your Name off a Direct Marketing List
If you don't wish to receive direct marketing materials, which can include telemarketing, emails, catalogs and other mailers, you need to remove your name from direct marketing lists. In the United States, there are laws requiring marketers to make the process relatively easy.
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Instructions
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Use the unsubscribe option listed on emails sent by direct marketers. Typically, you will need to either send an email to an address announcing your request to unsubscribe, or you will need to click a link that will take you to a website that will help you to get off their mailing list.
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Prevent telemarketers from calling your telephone number by registering your name and number with the United States National Do Not Call Registry (see Resources below). Your name will be off most companies' lists for 5 years, after which you will need to renew your registration.
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Contact the Direct Marketing Association to ask to be removed from most national mailing lists (see Resources below). For a one-dollar fee, you can have the DMA notify their affiliates to remove your name from their lists. You will need to register for this service every 5 years.
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Avoid opt-in mailing lists, which often sell their recipients' names and addresses. Any time that you get a shopper's card, sign up for a new email list or open an account with a new company, make sure that you tell your point of contact with the company that you do not want to receive offers for affiliates or other recommended businesses. Most sign-up forms will have a box you can check.
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Contact direct marketers directly to get your name off their contact list. While you might not have a direct phone number for the marketer in question, you can usually use the contact method listed on their marketing materials. If you firmly request that they remove your name, most companies will honor your request.
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Tips & Warnings
If you live in a country other than the United States, you will need to check with your local government to learn how to remove your name from direct marketing lists.
Unethical marketers, especially those who send out unsolicited emails, may not simply remove you from their list at your request. In these cases, consider using a stronger spam filter to protect your email inbox.
