This is part of our recyber newsletter that goes out every month full of tips and this one I wanted to share with all of you.

You need to know that credit bureaus often create lists containing the names and complete contact information of consumers with good credit -- and then sell them to telemarketers and direct-mail marketers. If you are getting more than your share of unsolicited mail -- especially those credit card offers that you have to shred - there's a good chance that this is where the junk is coming from. The Associated Credit Bureaus (the big four) have created 1-888-5OPTOUT (1 888 567 8688) where you can call to remove your information from the marketing lists and pre-approved credit offer lists sold to third parties.

The automated voice system will ask you to enter your phone number and other personal information including your Social Security number. They need that information to properly locate your record. If you are squeamish about supplying this information to an automated system, you can call each of the four major credit bureaus individually and speak with a human being to accomplish the removal.

This is a move that will save you a lot of shredding -- and loss of sleep.