How to Opt Out of Receiving
Unsolicited Spam and Trigger Lead Phone Calls
By following the below steps, you can prevent credit and insurance lenders from accessing your credit information for marketing purposes, effectively reducing the number on unsolicited calls you receive.
Steps to Opt-Out from Receiving Spam and Trigger Lead Phone Calls:
1. Go to www.OptOutPrescreen.com
2. Scroll down and click on the button titled "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out"
3. Select one of the opt-out options: "Electronic Opt-Out for 5 Years" or *"Permanent Opt-Out by Mail" and click "Continue"
4. Complete the form by inputting the requested information: (full name, social security number, date of birth, and current address).
NOTE: be sure to input your name how it is listed in the credit bureaus data base. The input information is confidential and will only be used to process your request to opt out.
5. Click “CONFIRM” to submit the online form.
NOTE: It normally takes up to 5 days before you will no longer receive any unsolicited phone calls. It’s a good idea to complete this online form early in the loan process, so that it is already in effect by the time your hard credit report is pulled.
You may also complete the opt out prescreen process by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT
(*If you choose the "Permanent Opt-Out by Mail" option, it will ask you to input your info and will then generate a form for you to print, sign, and mail back. In the interim, the website will submit your info for the 5 year opt out request on your behalf.)
How Does it Work and is it Safe?
OptOutPreescreen.com is a website operated by the major consumer credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis. It offers a centralized platform for consumers to opt out of receiving prescreened credit and insurance offers, also known as trigger leads. The website allows individuals to choose between a 5 year or permanent Opt-Out option. It's a very fast, simple, and safe process. The optout website is featured on the US Federal Trade Commission website (see below link).
To learn even more about this process and the OptOutPrescreen website, check out our blog post covering the topic by clicking the following link: How to Avoid and Opt Out of Receiving Spam Trigger Lead Phone Calls
Also linked here is an article on the subject featured on the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice website: FTC Article on Prescreened Credit & Insurance Offers
Let us know if you have any questions. We hope this helps your mortgage journey stay as stress free as possible!!