How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers

Question: I recently received a credit card offer in the mail that listed a web address where I can request to opt out of all prescreened credit card solicitations. Is this legitimate? - R.L., Falls Church, Va.

Answer: Yes. The site, optoutprescreen.com, is run by the major credit bureaus. Opting out of prescreened card offers makes it less likely that an ID thief will intercept them and take out credit in your name.

You can opt out for five years electronically or by phone (888-567-8688), or you can mail in a form to block prescreened offers permanently. (You may still receive offers from companies you currently do business with.)

Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, suggests signing up for the service and shredding unused offers. If you have elderly parents, help them opt out, too. And if you miss hearing about card deals, you can opt back in.