Opt-Out From Pre-screened Offers of Credit and Insurance
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) permits Credit Reporting Companies to provide Creditors or Insurers your name for the purpose of making you firm offers of Credit or Insurance unsolicited by you. The FCRA also grants you the right to opt-out, preventing Credit Reporting Companies from providing your Credit file information for use in such offers. Consumers typically receive such "pre-screened" or "pre-approved" offers through mail, email, or telephone.
Consumers can choose to opt-out for 5 years, or Permanently. Consumers who have opted-out can also change their mind and opt-in. Requests for opt-out are processed within 5 days, but consumers may continue to receive pre-screened offers for 60 days.
To request opt-out / opt-in consumers are requested to provide personal information including name, address, Social Security Number and date of birth (Social Security Number, date of birth, and phone number are requested but not required). Five Year Op-out requests can be made by phone, or through the internet. Consumers requesting Permanent opt-out must submit Permanent Opt-Out Election Form by mail (such form is found at the website shown below).
Consumers can use the Official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website to process requests. Participants in such official website are Equifax, Experian, Transunion and Innovis. Below you will find Screen shots and brief instructions. Full instructions and FAQ are available at the provided link.
Important!!: once you have added your name to Pre-Screen Opt-Out, make sure to return to www.creditlock.com in order to also add your name to National Do Not Call List, in order to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls which increase your risk of becoming a victim of Identity Theft. You should also consider Fraud Alerts Reminders, and placing a Credit Freeze / Credit Lock.
Opt-out / Opt-in Website: https://www.optoutprescreen.com
Opt-out / Opt-in Toll Free Telephone: 1-888-5-OPTOUT
Opt-out / Opt-in Address: Optoutscreen.com, P.O.Box 600344, Jacksonville, FL 32260
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There
are many reasons why some consumers choose to opt-out. Some consumers
are concerned that such pre-approved offers may fall into the wrong
hands, possibly subjecting the consumer to Identity Theft risks. Others
simply want to reduce unsolicited mail, calls and emails. Some
consumers want information about their Credit file to remain as private
as possible.
On
the hand, there are consumers who do not mind receiving such
pre-approved offers. In such case, they may want to be informed about
various Credit options, products and costs. Some consumers are
attracted to the fact that such offers are pre- screened and pre-approved,
possibly implying more favorable terms than under public offers.
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Opposite is a screen shot of the optoutprescreen.com home page. Consumers can access such page by clicking https://www.optoutprescreen.com . The Home Page primarily allows consumers to retrieve information about the service, prior to clicking on "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out" at the bottom of the page. The signup process is a simple three click process. Upon clicking "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out", the consumer is directed to the next page (screen shot below), to choose service required. |
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| Screen Shot of OptOutPrescreen.com Home Page |
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Opposite is a screen shot of the page consumers are directed to upon clicking "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out" in the previous page. Consumers are prompted to choose service required: A- Opt-In, B- Electronic Opt-Out For Five Years, or C- Permanent Opt-Out By Mail. Consumers are also given a preview of information required. Once "Submit" is clicked, consumers are directed to another page to provide data required, and giving further instructions. |
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| Screen Shot of OptOutPrescreen.com Second Page |
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Opposite is a screen shot of the page consumers are directed to upon clicking "Submit" in the previous page. Depending on service requested on previous page, this page may differ slightly, but essentially will request the same information. Consumers are required to enter First Name, Last Name and Address. Consumers are also prompted to enter Social Security Number, Date of Birth and Telephone number (these items are not required). For security reasons, and to make sure the user is Human, the characters that appear on the bottom of the screen must be entered, prior to clicking "Confirm" or "Cancel". Once "Confirm" is clicked, a confirmation page is displayed. In case you are requesting a permanent opt-out, make sure to print and mail the provided form.
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| Screen Shot of OptOutPrescreen.com Third Page |
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