Jan 9, 2009
Sending Junk Mail to the Credit Card Companies
A recent NY Times Op-Ed had the turn of phrase, "Credit-card offers came in the mail like confetti" and I chuckled.
Every time a credit card application comes in the mail, I shred it and fill the "No Postage Necessary" envelopes with the shreddies and send it back. I wouldn't say I'm proud of this, but every time I do it, I giggle my motherfucking ass off. If I'm feeling especially cheeky, I fill the envelope with other household detritus like old keys or screws.
I don't think I'm doing anything in the war on junk mail, but it is cathartic. Besides, I don't think you can recycle the shreddies without them blowing all over the street on trash day.
Every time a credit card application comes in the mail, I shred it and fill the "No Postage Necessary" envelopes with the shreddies and send it back. I wouldn't say I'm proud of this, but every time I do it, I giggle my motherfucking ass off. If I'm feeling especially cheeky, I fill the envelope with other household detritus like old keys or screws.
I don't think I'm doing anything in the war on junk mail, but it is cathartic. Besides, I don't think you can recycle the shreddies without them blowing all over the street on trash day.
Just FYI, you can register with the credit reporting agencies to opt out of receiving pre-approved credit offers. This will *significantly* reduce the amount of total junkmail you receive.
In fact, the big companies made this handy website:
https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t
Don’t worry about sharing your info, they definitely already know it.
I also want to try threatening companies by providing notice that “All mail received at this address from your organization or its subsidiaries after [date] will be subject to a $25 processing fee.” I’m not sure if this is legal and it probably isn’t effective, but it might be fun.