Resources

Disclaimer: Inclusion of information on the links provided is not intended as an endorsement of any organization or company.

If any of the links are no longer valid or if you have any suggested links to be added, please complete the form found at the bottom of this webpage. We will take suggested additions into consideration and add them as we see fit.

Thank You.

If you are not located in central Illinois and wish to find an organizer in YOUR area, click on any of these links from the Professional Organizing Industry:

Stop Junk Mail

Remove your name from direct mailing lists at National Do Not Mail List

Remove yourself from pre-approved credit card offers and insurance marketing by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.

If you opt out by phone or internet, you are automatically signed up for 5 years, after which your information will be back in circulation and you will start receiving pre-screened offers again.

To opt out permanently, visit www.optoutprescreen.com and request a printed form which you’ll have to sign and mail back in. The permanent opt out form will require your social security number. This is a legitimate form used to stop the prescreening determined by Consumer Credit Reporting Companies (Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion.)

Stop receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies for five years at The Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS) which will reduce most unsolicited mail but will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use the DMA's MPS.

Stop Phone Solicitations

The Federal Trade Commission's national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry: Do Not Call Registry

You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
After you register, other types of organizations may still call you, such as charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys. To learn more, read the Do Not Call Registry FAQs.
If you received an unwanted call after your number was on the National Registry for 31 days, report it to the FTC.

To receive fewer unsolicited telemarketing calls, you can also register for The Direct Marketing Association's Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which allows you to "opt out" of national telemarketing lists. The registration form found here, will allow you to significantly reduce the amount of unsolicited telemarketing calls you receive. Learn more and see other options here.

Prevent Identity Theft

Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of identity theft.

Never respond to an email asking you to confirm or verify account information, even if it looks official.
Don’t give out your credit card number or other personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you are sure the company is reputable.
Shop online only if the site is secure.
Shred financial records, bank statements, credit card bills and pre-approved credit card applications before you throw them away.
Reducing the amount of junk mail you receive can help you minimize your risk of identity theft.
- Opt out of prescreened credit offers at www.optoutprescreen.com.
- Sign up with the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service to be removed from telemarketer’s mailing lists at www.DMAchoice.org. You have to re-register every three years.
Place a "credit security freeze" on your credit file.

Security Data Breach Notices

Sometimes, the risk of identity theft is out of your control. If you receive a “data breach” notification, it means your personal or financial information may have been compromised because a third party’s computer files have been hacked, putting you at risk for identity theft.

If the data breach notice offers free credit monitoring, you may wish to sign up for the service.

File a Fraud Alert

To file a fraud alert call (800) 525-6285 (automated line). You will need to provide your SSN and other personal information. You will receive a notice to confirm the alert.

If you have received a data breach notice, you may wish to contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to file a free Fraud Alert. The 90-day alert helps to prevent the identity thief from opening new accounts in your name. You only need to contact one agency because that agency is required by law to notify the other two agencies.

Experian - Call (888) 397-3742 (automated line), OR
- file online at www.experian.com
TransUnion - Call (800) 680-7289, OR
- file online at www.transunion.com
Equifax Fraud Alert - (888) 766-0008, OR
- file online at www.equifax.com

You may also wish to consider filing a Credit Security Freeze, to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

Stop Electronic Junk Mail / Spam

Charity Information and Where to Donate

Resources

Security Data Breach Notices

File a Fraud Alert

Unlock Your Home’s True Potential with Help from Our Organizers

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