Does the unwanted information flooding your life make you want to go against the flow? There are ways to stop it. Here’s how to cut down on junk sent to your BlackBerry, cell phone, e-mail address or your real-life mailbox.
* Spam filters: These filters block unwanted “junk” e-mail and allow you to approve or disapprove senders. Software typically costs between $30 and $40. Some computer security software packages also may include spam filters along with anti-virus programs. Find anti-spam programs where computer software is sold.
* Do-Not-Call registry: You can stop unwanted telemarketing calls by registering your home or wireless numbers on the national Do-Not-Call registry. Just call 888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register or visit www.donot call.gov.
* Optoutprescreen.com: The Web site tells the four major credit reporting companies that you don’t wish to receive prescreened or pre-approved offers for a new credit card or insurance policy. The free service gives you the option of opting out for five years or permanently. You can also opt out by calling 888-567-8688.
* Catalogchoice.org: The free service sponsored by the California-based Ecology Center allows you to unsubscribe to unwanted catalogs. The Web site lets you take your name off many mailing lists with just a few clicks. It can take at least 10 weeks for the site to process your requests.
* Dmaconsumers.org: The Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service will have your name taken off the mailing lists of the national marketers it works with. Sign up for free online or print out a mail-in registration form (which requires a $1 check or money order to cover processing fees). The association has a similar service for unsolicited marketing e-mails.
* Greendimes.com: For $20, the Web-based company will remove your household from dozens of mailing lists, promising to cut 90 percent of the junk mail and unwanted catalogs that typically flow into your home. When you sign up, the company also has 10 trees planted on your behalf.
