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Follow on Google News | Connecticut BBB Offers Tips to Reduce Exposure to Identity TheftUnwanted mail, credit offers, telephone calls spam and text messages are not only an annoyance, but can potentially lead to identity theft.
By: Connecticut Better Business Bureau Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns consumers that unwanted mail, credit offers, telephone calls spam and text messages are not only an annoyance, but can potentially lead to identity theft. While it is impossible to eliminate all unwanted correspondence, BBB has the following tips to help reduce the associated risks: Unwanted mail shouldn’t cost you your identity - Pre-approved credit card offers are an easy target for identity thieves. They can steal incoming mail and use these offers to open fraudulent credit accounts, so stopping pre-screened credit offers can help reduce the chances of identity theft. You may “opt-out” of receiving pre-approved credit card offers for at least five years by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688) or visiting: optoutprescreen.com. This service is offered by the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Stop unwanted direct mail solicitations - To stop most mailings, U.S. consumers can go to dmachoice.org and opt out of mail from members of the Direct Marketing Association. DMA regularly updates its list, but it may take up to six months before solicitations from all DMA members stop. Reduce unwanted telemarketing calls – As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works on ways to block illegal marketing phone calls, the government's national Do Not Call Registry is a free, easy way to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home. To register your phone number or to get information about the registry, visit donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. You will get fewer telemarketing calls within 31 days of registering your number. Are you receiving spam text messages? First and foremost, don’t respond. Responding to the text message only confirms a working number and opens the door for more messages. If your number is already on the Do Not Call Registry and you’re still receiving messages and phone calls, file a complaint with the FCC. For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org. End
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