One my recent bank statements mentioned a phone number to call for removal from pre-approved credit solicitations. Since this came from a well known bank in a paper statement, I'm inclined to trust that it's not a scam.

Call the Prescreening Opt-Out Number
(888) 5OPTOUT = (888) 567-8688

One more steps to liberate our mailboxes, save waste paper, and save our time shredding/tearingup these unwelcome mailings.

I recently ran a credit check on myself. There were thankfully no blemishes on my credit but there were a huge number of hits from banks and such looking for information about me. That same phone number was mentioned as a way you could opt-out of random banks asking about your credit. I called it a month ago, so it's still a bit early to tell whether I've managed to turn off the spigot of credit card promo offers. We'll see.

If that's the number I think it is then it's tied into Experian, Equifax, and TRW.
I dialed a couple of these numbers a couple of months ago. I entered info regarding several addresses and phone numbers. We'll see if that helps.

I get my mail about once a week and I usually have the box packed full of garbage and their might be two pieces I actually want.

What I hate worse than the pre-approved credit card apps are the checks the companies I have cards from send out. Anyone could grab one of those, fill it out, and cash it.

Those "checks" are easy to stop. Just ask your credit card company to stop sending them.

The opt out number does work. I have used it before, and it lasts for a few years. It does stop all three credit reporting agencies and blocks random card queries. It only eliminates some of the junk mail though - the card offers. That is not a bad thing. Those card offers are easily stolen and misused in identity theft scams.

If you really want to get a feeling of putting a hurt on the Credit Card companies, take advantage of there 0% for XXmonths offers for balance transfers. Citibank for example will send you a check that you can then deposit in a high yield money market or CD. Alot of them have no fees. Even if there are capped fees at like $75 you still make money. I wouldn't advocate using the entire credit line they give to you though as that would adversely hit your credit profile. I wish they would send me more offers so I can profit from investing there money. Granted there are other caveats IE.it has to be invested in a safe vehicle that is FDIC insured and liquid so you could always pay it back at a moments notice if some problem arises. That is the way I am sticking to them. They want to offer me to take there money...sure I'll use it. Right before the promotional period expires pay it off and you have a profit to show for it. Free money to buy my next toy!!