Last updated: January 2025
Data brokers collect and sell your personal information to marketers. Opting out of major brokers like Acxiom, Epsilon, Oracle, and LexisNexis can reduce targeted junk mail. Manual opt-outs are free but time-consuming (300+ hours); paid services like DeleteMe automate the process. Note: This won't stop EDDM mail addressed to 'Postal Customer.'
Data Broker Opt-Out Guide: Stop Junk Mail at the Source
Want to stop junk mail before it starts? Much of the addressed junk mail you receive—catalogs, credit offers, marketing letters—exists because data brokers sold your personal information to advertisers. By opting out of these databases, you can reduce junk mail at the source.
What Are Data Brokers?
Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information. They gather data from:
- Public records: Property records, voter registration, court records, birth/death records
- Commercial sources: Purchase history, warranty registrations, loyalty programs
- Online activity: Social media, browsing history, app usage
- Surveys and contests: Sweepstakes entries, product registrations
This data is packaged into consumer profiles and sold to marketers, who use it to send targeted advertising mail. When you wonder "how did they get my address?"—a data broker is often the answer.
Important: This Won't Stop EDDM Mail
Opting out of data brokers reduces addressed junk mail—mail with your name on it. It does NOT stop EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) addressed to "Postal Customer" or "Resident." EDDM doesn't use mailing lists at all—there's nothing to opt out of.
How to Opt Out of Major Data Brokers
Acxiom
One of the largest consumer data brokers, with data on over 2.5 billion consumers worldwide.
- Online: acxiom.com/optout
- Phone: 1-877-774-2094
- Time: 2-4 weeks to process
Epsilon
Major data marketing company that also operates the Abacus catalog cooperative.
- Email: optout@epsilon.com (include full name and address)
- Phone: 1-866-267-3861
- Mail: Epsilon, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038
- Time: 4-6 weeks to process
Oracle Data Cloud
Acquired BlueKai and Datalogix; maintains extensive consumer data for digital and direct marketing.
- Online: Oracle Privacy Page (scroll to "Your Choices")
- Email: privacy@oracle.com
- Time: 30 days to process
LexisNexis
Primarily known for legal research but also maintains consumer data for risk assessment and marketing.
- Online: consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com
- Phone: 1-888-332-8244
- Time: 5-7 business days
Abacus (Catalog Data)
Cooperative database operated by Epsilon specifically for catalog marketers. If you receive lots of catalogs, Abacus likely has your data.
- Email: abacusoptout@epsilon.com
- Mail: Abacus, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038
- Time: 6-8 weeks to process
Experian (Marketing)
In addition to credit reporting, Experian maintains marketing data and sells mailing lists.
- Online: experian.com/privacy/opting-out
- Note: This is separate from OptOutPrescreen (credit offers)
- Time: 4-6 weeks to process
Paid Data Removal Services
Manually opting out of all data brokers can take 300+ hours. Paid services automate the process:
| Service | Price | Brokers Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeleteMe | $129/year | 750+ | Quarterly scans, family plans available |
| Incogni | $77/year | 180+ | From Surfshark VPN, automated tracking |
| Kanary | $89/year | 400+ | Real-time monitoring, browser extension |
| EasyOptOuts | $20/year | 100+ | Budget option, searches every 4 months |
Note: These services reduce addressed junk mail but cannot stop EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) addressed to "Postal Customer" or "Resident." For EDDM, we need a federal Do Not Mail registry—sign the petition.
Combine With Other Opt-Out Services
For maximum junk mail reduction, combine data broker opt-outs with:
- OptOutPrescreen.com: Stop prescreened credit and insurance offers (free)
- DMAchoice.org: Opt out of catalogs and marketing mail ($4-6)
- CatalogChoice.org: Stop specific catalogs (free)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are data brokers?
Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information. They gather data from public records, purchases, surveys, social media, and online activity. This data is sold to marketers who use it to send you targeted advertising mail.
How do data brokers cause junk mail?
Marketers buy mailing lists from data brokers containing names, addresses, and demographic information. When you receive catalogs, credit offers, or marketing mail addressed to your name, it's often because a data broker sold your information to the sender.
Will opting out of data brokers stop all junk mail?
No. Opting out of data brokers reduces addressed junk mail that uses your personal information. It does NOT stop EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) addressed to 'Postal Customer' or 'Resident'—there is no mailing list to remove yourself from for EDDM.
How long does it take for data broker opt-outs to work?
Most data broker opt-outs take 30-90 days to process. However, since marketers may have already purchased your data before you opted out, you may continue receiving some mail for several months after opting out.
Are data removal services like DeleteMe worth it?
Services like DeleteMe, Incogni, and Kanary can save significant time by automating opt-out requests across dozens of data brokers. They typically cost $100-200/year. Whether they're worth it depends on how much you value your time—manual opt-outs can take 300+ hours.
Do I need to opt out of data brokers repeatedly?
Yes. Data brokers continuously collect new information, so your data may reappear after you've opted out. Many people opt out annually, or use paid services that monitor and re-submit requests automatically.
Related Guides
Ready to take action?
Sign the petition to demand opt-out rights for USPS advertising mail.