HOUSTON -- How many times a week do you get a credit card offer in the mail? How many times do you throw it away? There is a way to end those unwanted offers, according to Local 2 Consumer Troubleshooter Emily Akin Thursday.

Many consider pre-approved credit card offers the original form of junk mail.

Rudy Cavazos, at Money Management International, said there is a way to stop them.

"Contact the credit agencies and let them know that you want to opt out -- that you don't want to be on these pre-qualified lists," he said.

Consumers should contact the three major credit agencies, listed below, by either mail or telephone.

Equifax, Inc.
Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA. 30374-0123
Experian
Consumer Opt-Out
701 Experian Parkway
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
Marketing List Opt Out
P.O. Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288-7328

Consumers can call (888) 5-OPTOUT (888-567-8688) to opt out of all three credit agencies simultaneously.

Consumers should also contact the Direct Marketers Association (DMA) to get off mailing lists.

To register with the DMA, send a letter to the following address.

Direct Marketing Association
Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512

For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at www.ftc.gov.