Find out how to make it stop

Part of the home financing process requires us to assess your credit. This credit inquiry may lead to emails or calls from other lenders who have purchased what is known as a “Trigger Lead.” Find out how you can avoid these solicitations.

There are a few ways you can protect yourself from trigger lead harassment:

1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry. You can register both your home and cell phone numbers. It takes 31 days to become effective, so try to do this at least one month before applying for a loan. The registration expires after five years.

2. Register with the Direct Mail Association to prevent mortgage lenders from sending direct mail. It will cost $1.00 whether you register online or through mail. The DMA distributes its lists every quarter so registration can take a while to be effective and it is good for five years.

3. OptOutPrescreen will also stop the four credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion) from selling your information as a trigger lead. Signing up will stop trigger leads for five years, although the Fair Credit Reporting Act still allows for the sale of your name.