I received something in the mail offering me a credit card and it said that I could stop receiving “prescreened offers of credit.” What does this mean?

Card issuers use credit reporting agencies to send offers of credit to individuals who meet certain criteria (for example, a minimum credit score). You can ask credit reporting agencies to not include your name on lists used by creditors to make firm offers of credit (called opting out) for five years by calling 1-888-567-8688. To opt out permanently, go to www.optoutprescreen.com . However, even if you opt out, card issuers can still get your name from other sources and send you invitations to apply for a card.