Stop Unwanted Calls Before Applying for a Mortgage or Refinancing

You apply for a mortgage, excited about your next home, and within days, your phone won’t stop ringing with unsolicited loan offers. What’s happening? You’ve become a target of trigger leads, a legal yet frustrating practice where credit bureaus sell your information after a mortgage credit check.

While some argue these offers provide lender options, most borrowers find them overwhelming. Fortunately, you can take control and opt-out to safeguard your privacy.

Trigger leads make your loan journey more stressful, but here’s how to prevent them:

1. Opt-Out of Credit Offers – Visit OptOutPrescreen.com to remove yourself from lender lists. Submit a request online if you want a 5 year opt-out or complete and mail the required form for a permanent opt-out.

2. Request Privacy Protections from Your Lender – Ask them not to include your phone or email in your credit inquiry submission.

3. Use a Separate Email or Phone Number – Consider a Google Voice number or a dedicated email for mortgage-related communication.

4. Register for the Do Not Call List – Sign up at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls.

5. Avoid Engaging with Unsolicited Offers – Only work with lenders you personally research and trust to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Many borrowers worry that opting out hurts their credit score—it doesn’t. Opting out does not affect creditworthiness, and pre-screened offers only create soft inquiries, which do not lower your score. Additionally, opting out is completely free when done through the official website.

Trigger leads can feel invasive, but by taking proactive steps, you can protect your privacy and stay in control of your mortgage process. Before applying for a loan, take a few minutes to opt out—you’ll either thank yourself later, or you’ll wish you had.

What are your thoughts on trigger leads? Have you experienced them before? Drop a comment below!