Junk Mail Magic

Prepare a postal preference call with limited internet access

Make the call about one sender and one request: stop printed advertising to the name and address on the mailing label. Keep the piece in front of you, use a number you have confirmed belongs to the sender, and ask what confirmation it can give before you hang up.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Get ready to dial

  1. Put the advertisement beside the phone. Underline the sender name and the label's name and address so you read them exactly as printed.
  2. Check the number against the sender's official website, a reliable directory or earlier paperwork from the same sender. Use it if it matches.
  3. Start with your request in one sentence. Give the label details when asked, then ask the representative to repeat back what will change.
  4. Ask what confirmation is available, such as a reference number or a letter, and whether it covers printed mail. If the representative mentions only email, ask about postal mail.
  5. Before you hang up, write down the date, the representative's name if given, and the answers.

Keep the call about advertising

Account numbers, payment details and identity documents are not needed for a request about advertising. If you are asked for them, say you will follow up another way. If the sender is your bank or insurer, you can still ask to stop its advertising mail. Make clear you are not asking to stop account notices.

If the representative cannot find you, spell the name exactly as the label shows. Ask whether another spelling or an older address should be searched.

Call script

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Hello. I receive printed advertising from [sender name] addressed to [name as printed] at [address]. Please stop postal advertising to that name and address. Could you repeat back what you will change? What confirmation can you give me, and does it cover printed mail? Reference number: [write here]. Representative: [write here]. Date: [write here].

Plan a fallback before you dial

Write a second route on your notes, such as a postal address or desktop contact form. If the call gets nowhere, ask the representative which written route it recommends and use that next.

Official source

Prepare notes for a postal opt-out callRespond when a sender cannot find your recordRequest written contact for a postal-mail preferenceReduce unwanted mail without a smartphoneMail routines that fit your needsAll practical mail guides

Have an unwanted advertisement ready?

Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

Try one request free