Matt Carver

I hate Junk Mail, just more crap to shred.  I also hate Telemarketers, they call at the most inconvenient times and are too desperate.  I wonder what would happen if someone stole my identity…  I think we’ve all said or thought the same things.  After doing a little research, I found a very cost effective method to freeze your credit report from the 3 credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) for $10.  In addition, you can reduce email spam, telemarketer calls, and Junk Mail for free!  Some people would rather put a fraud alert on their credit reports rather than a freeze.  Fraud alerts are free but offer no real protection, just a notification when credit is opened in your name.  Check some of these links for information on the differences: Google: Fraud vs Alert

Here is the list of things you can do to lock down your credit, reduce spam, reduce telemarketer calls, and reduce junk mail:

1. https://www.optoutprescreen.com :: Opt-Out of Junkmail offers from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  This is a legitimate website from the FTC.
2. http://www.donotcall.gov :: Opt-Out of Telemarketer Calls
3. http://www.dmachoice.org/consumerassistance.php :: Opt-Out of direct mail marketers lists for free.
4. http://www.dmachoice.org/EMPS :: Opt-Out of Email marketers lists for free.
5. https://www.experian.com/consumer/cac/InvalidateSession.do?code=FREEZECENTER :: Freeze your Experian Credit Report for $5.
6. https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp :: Freeze your Equifax Credit Report for $5.
7. https://annualcreditreport.transunion.com/fa/securityFreeze/landing :: Freeze your TransUnion Credit Report for FREE!

*Most of this information was freely obtained from the FTC website at or from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre17.pdf