How do you stop random credit card inquiries like the ones who send credit card applications in the mail saying 'you've been pre-approved based on your credit rating'?

Stopping Unsolicited Credit Card Applications

Here is advice:

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act also entitles you to contact each or all of the major credit bureaus (and Innovis, a fourth credit bureau) and request them to stop sending you card solicitations and related offers. For more information, call 888-5OPTOUT (567-8688).

• The major credit agencies all sell aggregate credit information to any bidder. Direct mail and credit companies generate mail based on demographics including zip code, income band and credit payment patterns. Stopping this is easy. You just need your address, former address within two years, and social security number. One call does it all for agencies Equifax, Trans Union, Experian and Innovis. Dial 1-888-5 OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688) 24 hours a day.

• You can also opt-out online at optoutprescreen.com (although it may take a few months before you see the results of your request to remove your name).

• One note: when you call 888-5OPTOUT, they'll ask for your Social Security Number. Normally, of course, you want to be careful not to give your Social Security Number to anyone, especially if they call or email you (rather than you calling or emailing the company, bank, etc.), but it's OK to give it out when you call 888-5OPTOUT.