We are surrounded by constant communication—emails, texts, and calls filling our inboxes daily. Here are some resources to help you filter unwanted messages and take control of your privacy. Download and share our new fraud alert with this information. This fraud alert was made in partnership with Cyber Light.
Cut Down: Spam Emails and Texts
- Use filters. Check if your mobile phone has options to filter and block texts from unknown senders. Some call blocking apps can also help block unwanted messages. Many popular email providers (like Gmail or Yahoo Mail) have strong spam filters turned on by default. But if any spam gets into your inbox, mark it as spam or junk.
- Unsubscribe from unwanted emails. Getting fewer unwanted emails helps you avoid clicking on links that can lead to phishing attacks.
- Report unwanted messages. Unwanted messages often lead to scams. Report them. Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.
Cut Down: Junk Mail
- Register with the Direct Marketing Association to decide what types of mail you do and don’t want from marketers.
- Opt out of getting prescreened credit and insurance offers in the mail. You can choose to opt out for five years or permanently.
- Learn more about how to get fewer spam texts, emails, and junk mail. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- A similar program to the Do Not Call Registry, where you can opt out of receiving unsolicited marketing calls, is the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) “DMAchoice” service, which allows you to opt out of receiving unwanted marketing mail and emails rom participating companies; essentially, a “prescreen & opt-out” option or mail and email marketing.
- Key points about DMAchoice:
- Function: Lets you register to reduce the amount of promotional mail and emails you receive from companies that are members of the DMA.
- Access: You can register on the DMAchoice website.
- Important consideration: While it can significantly reduce unwanted mail, it may not completely eliminate it as not all companies participate in the DMA.
Other Relevant Opt Out Options
- Credit Bureau Prescreen Opt-Out: This allows you to opt out of receiving pre-approved credit card offers based on your credit report from the major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Financial Institution Opt-Out: Many banks and financial institutions have their own opt-out mechanisms or reducing marketing solicitations.
- See the FTC’s article: What to know about prescreened offers for credit or insurance
- See Consumer Reports article: 6 Easy Opt Outs to Protect Your Privacy
- See: Consumer Tips – World Privacy Forum’s Top 10 Opt Outs
Contact our California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to report any Medicare fraud at 1-855-613-7080. Visit our website for more information on Medicare scams and how to protect yourself. Also download and share our other fraud alerts.
