Give only name, address and serial no. Joining or donating money to clubs, organizations, charities. Tell them in writing not to sell or exchange your name with other groups. Tell them not to sell your name. Listing your phone number and address in the phone book.
Many files are open to the public and are used by marketers to compile lists.
Though you generally cannot make public records private, you can write to companies that have put you on a mailing list and ask to be deleted. Your one call is shared with all three credit bureaus. The purpose of such contests is to compile names and addresses that can be used for other solicitations, such as fundraising or catalog offers. To reduce calls from telemarketers , send your name, address and phone number to the Direct Marketing Association 's Telephone Preference Service. A federal law requires them to heed your request.