You go to bring in the mail at the end of a long workday. Upon opening the mailbox, a flurry of envelopes dumps out. Once indoors, you sift through the mail and get more irritated at each letter: Credited card offers!

You didn’t ask for these offers. How did they get your name? Should you keep these offered cards? How can you stop the offers? These are questions you’re probably asking, as well as countless other people who are sick and tired of receiving them. Luckily, we have some tips on how to stop unsolicited credit card offers.

Where are the credit offers coming from?

So how did these companies get your name? As you may know, the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) collect and maintain your credit information. When you check your credit report, you are looking at a number that that bureau has tracked for you. Credit card issuers provide these bureaus with a list of criteria about the type of consumers they want to target with their credit card offers. The bureaus create a list of people in their database who meet those criteria. If your name is on that list, the credit card issuer sends you an offer in the mail.

Do you automatically qualify to receive this card? The mere fact that the credit card is offered to you doesn’t mean you are instantly approved even if you do apply. If your income is inadequate or you can’t confirm your personal information, you probably won’t receive approval. The issuer will need to make a hard inquiry to make sure you can be counted on to handle this card well.

Put an end to unsolicited credit card offers.

This next question is probably the most common one: How can you stop these cards from coming? The answer is simple: Opt out with the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry.

If you want to opt out only for a period of five years, call toll-free 1-888-OPT-OUT or visit the website www.optoutprescreen.com. Major consumer reporting companies operate the phone number and website. If you would like to opt out permanently, visit www.optoutprescreen.com. You’ll find a Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which you can fill out and return after initiating your online request. When you visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call the toll-free number, keep in mind that you will be asked to provide your phone number, Social Security number, date of birth and other personal information. The companies will not share your data and will only use it to process your opt-out request. You can also register your mail and email addresses as names for credit card issuers to avoid when sending out offers. Go to www.DMAchoice.org to register your email address at the Direct Marketing Associate’s consumer website.

Remember: Make sure to properly dispose of mail that contains your sensitive information. Shred, cut up, or burn the envelopes and letters that contain your name, address and other personal data. You should also pick up your mail every day, so that any parcel that contains your private information isn’t left waiting for mailbox burglars to pilfer.

Nobody likes sorting through piles of business mail every time they check the mailbox. Hopefully now, you won’t have to deal with so many of those boring white envelopes that you just get rid of anyway. Take some control over your mailbox and over your money!