Debt Basics

Credit is everywhere. You don't even have to step out of your front door to look for it, credit application forms hit the doormat with monotonous regularity.

If you're someone who finds it difficult to handle a credit card responsibly, the obvious solution is not to have one. They're certainly not compulsory.

True, there are times when having a card is convenient - such as ordering items over the phone, or booking cinema tickets. But quite often this can be done with a debit card such as Switch or Delta - these take money directly out of your bank account and when you reach your limit they simply won't work.

It's difficult to ignore the junk mail enticing you to take out new cards, so if you're one of those people who feels tempted, you can take steps to have your address taken off the mailing lists that these companies use.

If you want to avoid the temptation of opening the junk mail that offers you those "very exciting" offers and opportunities that "you just won't be able to resist", contact the Mailing Preference Service to have your details taken off the mailing lists that these companies use for their targeted marketing campaigns. These lists apply not just for junk mail but also for junk faxes, emails and unsolicited telephone calls.

Anyone can have their details taken off a mailing list - for any reason at all. You may worry about what information companies hold about you. Alternatively, if someone dies it's a good idea to take their details off the lists because it can be distressing for a bereaved person to constantly receive mail addressed to a late relative.

Reputable businesses take the MPS seriously and it is now against the law for companies to call people who have registered with the service and clearly indicated that they don't want to receive unsolicited calls. Disreputable companies may ignore your wishes and continue to call, but if you take their details and threaten to report them the calls should stop.

It can take up to three months for the unwanted mail to stop arriving but you should notice a decrease in the amount you normally receive within a few weeks.

The Mailing Preference Service site is for anyone fed up with being subjected to pestering from companies trying to sell you everything from credit cards to double glazing.

The service can also be contacted at:

FREEPOST 22
London
W1E 7EZ

Telephone: 0207 766 4410