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Step 1
Prevent organizations from selling your name, address, and buying habits. Clearly write in large capital letters "Please do not sell my name or address" whenever you donate money, order a product, or fill out a warranty card. Make the same request over the telephone when ordering any product or service.
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Step 2
Avoid "free" contests if you don't want junk mail. These are almost always lures to get your contact information.
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Step 3
Trace which companies and organizations send you junk mail by selecting a false middle name or initial for each one that you deal with. Follow up with those that have not honored your request to not sell your name.
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Step 1
Send first class mail right back to where it came from at no charge. Cross out the address and bar code, circle the first class postage and write "refused: return to sender."
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Step 2
Call 1-888-5 OPT OUT (1-888-567-8688) and stop junk mail from major credit-card agencies. Have your address, former address within two years, and Social Security number handy.
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Step 3
Stop catalogs by calling the company's toll-free number and make your request. Alternatively, write your instructions on the mailing label and enclose it in the postage-paid ordering envelope, clearly marking it "ATTN: Customer Service."
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Step 4
Stop junk mailings from organizations you have not subscribed to by sending a letter to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643. Include your complete name, address, ZIP code and a request to "Activate the preference service."
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Step 1
Never reply to any spam email.
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Step 2
Process your email with SpamCop or a similar service that can help separate forged emails from real emails.
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Step 3
Forward phishing spam to the company being forged, using "abuse@" the company name.
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Step 4
Use a false return address when making newsgroup postings. Include your real email address coded in the body of the message.
