What can you do about the growing pile of unwanted mail in your mailbox and unwelcome telemarketers on your phone? Actually there's a lot you can do.

• Tell companies you do business with to remove your name from customer lists they rent or sell to others. Look for information on how to opt out of marketing lists on sales materials, order forms and websites.
• Utilize the services provided by the Direct Marketing Association to remove you from most national telemarketing, mail and e-mail lists.
• Call the credit reporting agencies' notification system at 1-888-567-8688. This will reduce the number of unsolicited credit and insurance offers you get. All three major credit bureaus participate in this program.
• Under U.S. Postal Service Rules, it is illegal to send mail that looks like it is from a government agency when it isn't. It is also illegal to send mail that looks like a bill when nothing was ordered, unless it clearly states it is not a bill. Report violations of this rule to the USPS.

Fraudulent telephone calls that use pirated recordings of telephone services from well-known financial institutions are known as "vishing". The object is to trick you into believing your bank is calling to confirm personal information such as account numbers, PINs, and passwords. Your answers are recorded and the information is then used for identity theft.

If you get a telephone call from someone who says they are with your bank and/or credit company and they ask you to provide or confirm any personal information:

• Do NOT answer any questions.
• Hang up immediately.
• Call your bank or credit company directly and tell them what happened.