How to Remove Yourself from RedPlum

If you've ever wondered why your mailbox is stuffed with grocery coupons and retail circulars you never requested, there's a good chance RedPlum has your information. As someone who's spent years investigating data brokers and privacy practices, I can tell you that RedPlum represents a particularly persistent type of data collection—one that connects your physical address to your purchasing habits and demographic profile. While they position themselves as a helpful coupon service, the reality is they're collecting and using your personal information to target you with marketing materials, whether you want them or not.

What is RedPlum and Why Does It Have Your Data?

RedPlum is a direct mail marketing service owned by Valassis Communications (now part of Verizon Media), specializing in delivering coupon inserts, promotional materials, and advertising circulars directly to your mailbox. Unlike digital data brokers that operate entirely online, RedPlum bridges the physical and digital worlds by maintaining extensive databases of residential addresses paired with consumer behavior profiles.

Here's what makes RedPlum different from typical data brokers: they don't just collect your information passively. When you receive those glossy coupon booklets in your mail, RedPlum is actively profiling you based on:

• Your residential address and household composition
• Estimated income brackets and purchasing power
• Shopping preferences and brand affinities
• Demographic data including age ranges and family status
• Geographic and neighborhood characteristics

RedPlum acquires this information through multiple channels. They purchase data from other marketing firms, aggregate public records, analyze purchasing patterns through retail partnerships, and collect information when consumers voluntarily sign up for their digital coupon services. The company then uses sophisticated algorithms to determine which households should receive which promotional materials—essentially creating a targeted advertising profile for your physical mailbox.

The business model is straightforward: retailers and brands pay RedPlum to deliver their coupons and advertisements to households most likely to respond. While this might seem harmless compared to more invasive data brokers, it still represents an unauthorized use of your personal information for commercial purposes. More importantly, the data RedPlum collects doesn't stay isolated—it contributes to the broader data broker ecosystem that fuels identity theft, phishing scams, and privacy violations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Yourself from RedPlum

Removing yourself from RedPlum requires navigating their opt-out process, which—like most data broker removal procedures—isn't prominently advertised. Based on my experience testing these removal methods, here's the most effective approach:

Method 1: Online Opt-Out Form

The primary way to remove yourself from RedPlum's mailing lists is through their online opt-out system:

• Navigate to the RedPlum opt-out page at `www.save.com/mailing/delivery-options` (RedPlum's coupon service operates under the Save.com brand)

• Enter your complete mailing address exactly as it appears on the RedPlum materials you've received. This is critical—any variation in how your address is formatted (abbreviations, apartment numbers, etc.) may result in continued mailings

• Verify your address by selecting it from the dropdown menu that appears. RedPlum's system will attempt to match your entry against their database

• Select your opt-out preference. You'll typically see options like:

- Stop all mailings

- Reduce frequency

- Continue receiving mailings

• Choose "Stop all mailings" if you want complete removal from their distribution list

• Submit the form and look for a confirmation message. Take a screenshot of this confirmation with the date visible—you'll need this if mailings continue

• Check your email for a confirmation message if you provided an email address. Some versions of their opt-out form send verification emails

Method 2: Phone Opt-Out

If the online form doesn't work or you prefer speaking with someone directly:

• Call RedPlum customer service at 1-800-237-2400 (this number connects to Valassis/Save.com customer support)

• Request complete removal from all mailing lists and marketing databases

• Provide your exact mailing address as it appears on the materials you've received

• Ask for a confirmation number or reference number for your opt-out request

• Document the call by noting the date, time, representative's name, and confirmation number

Method 3: Written Opt-Out Request

For maximum documentation and legal protection under privacy laws, consider sending a written opt-out request:

• Draft a formal opt-out letter that includes:

- Your full name and complete mailing address

- A clear statement: "I am requesting complete removal from all RedPlum/Save.com mailing lists and marketing databases"

- Reference to your rights under applicable state privacy laws (CCPA if you're in California, VCDPA in Virginia, etc.)

- Request for written confirmation of your removal

• Mail your letter to:

Valassis Communications

Attn: Customer Service

19975 Victor Parkway

Livonia, MI 48152

• Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a paper trail proving they received your request

• Keep copies of your letter and the certified mail receipt

Important Timing Considerations

One frustrating aspect of the RedPlum removal process is the significant delay before you see results. RedPlum's mailings are planned weeks or even months in advance, with materials printed and sorted long before delivery. According to their own disclosures, you should expect to continue receiving mailings for 6-10 weeks after submitting your opt-out request.

This delay isn't necessarily malicious—it reflects the logistics of direct mail operations. However, it also means you need to be patient and persistent. If you're still receiving RedPlum materials three months after opting out, that's when you should follow up with additional removal requests.

What Information Does RedPlum Collect About You?

Understanding exactly what data RedPlum holds about you helps contextualize why removal matters. Through my research into data broker practices and direct mail marketing operations, here's what RedPlum typically maintains in their databases:

Core Identifying Information

• Full name and variations (including nicknames, maiden names, and misspellings)
• Current and previous residential addresses
• Phone numbers (both landline and mobile when available)
• Email addresses (if you've interacted with their digital properties)

Demographic Profiling Data

• Age range or estimated birth year
• Household composition (single, married, family with children)
• Estimated number of residents at your address
• Presence of children and their approximate ages
• Homeowner vs. renter status
• Estimated home value and property characteristics

Financial and Consumer Indicators

• Estimated household income brackets
• Credit rating categories (not specific scores, but general creditworthiness indicators)
• Shopping preferences and brand affinities
• Coupon usage patterns (if you've redeemed RedPlum coupons)
• Purchase categories (grocery, household goods, personal care, etc.)

Behavioral and Lifestyle Data

• Neighborhood classification (suburban, urban, rural)
• Lifestyle segments (young professionals, families, retirees, etc.)
• Shopping channel preferences (in-store vs. online)
• Brand loyalty indicators
• Response rates to previous mailings

RedPlum doesn't collect this information through a single source. Instead, they aggregate data from:

• Public records (property records, voter registration files where legally accessible)
• Retail partnerships where you've used loyalty cards or provided information
• Data brokers and list compilers who sell consumer information
• Voluntary submissions when people sign up for Save.com or RedPlum digital services
• Third-party marketing databases that track consumer behavior across multiple channels

The concerning aspect isn't any single data point—it's the comprehensive profile that emerges when all these pieces combine. This profile makes you targetable not just for coupon mailings, but potentially for more invasive marketing practices, and it contributes to the massive data broker ecosystem that GhostMyData scans across 2,100+ sources.

How Long Does RedPlum Removal Take?

Managing expectations around removal timelines is crucial because many people give up too early or assume the process failed when mailings continue.

Expected Timeline

6-10 weeks is the standard timeframe RedPlum cites for opt-out processing. Breaking this down:

• Weeks 1-2: Your opt-out request enters their system and undergoes processing
• Weeks 3-6: Already-scheduled mailings continue because materials are printed and in the distribution pipeline
• Weeks 7-10: You should see mailings stop as your address is fully removed from active distribution lists
• Week 12+: If mailings continue beyond three months, there's likely an issue requiring follow-up

Why Removal Takes So Long

Unlike digital advertising where targeting changes happen instantly, direct mail operates on extended production cycles:

• Printing schedules: Coupon inserts are printed in massive batches weeks before mailing
• Distribution contracts: RedPlum has agreements with postal services and distribution companies that operate on fixed schedules
• Address list compilation: Mailing lists are compiled and locked in advance of printing
• Multiple database systems: Your information may exist in several different databases that update on different schedules

Factors That Extend the Timeline

Several issues can push removal beyond the standard 10-week window:

• Address variations: If your address appears in their system with multiple formats (123 Main St. vs. 123 Main Street), each variation may need separate removal
• Multiple household members: If RedPlum has listings for different people at your address, you may need to submit separate opt-out requests for each person
• Re-acquisition of data: Even after removal, RedPlum might re-acquire your information from other data sources, requiring additional opt-outs
• Corporate database synchronization: As part of Verizon Media's portfolio, RedPlum's data may sync with other corporate databases on delayed schedules

Monitoring Your Removal Status

Unfortunately, RedPlum doesn't provide a portal where you can check your opt-out status. Your only verification method is monitoring your physical mail. I recommend:

• Mark your calendar for 10 weeks after submitting your opt-out request
• Keep one example of RedPlum mail you receive during the waiting period
• Note the date of your last RedPlum mailing
• Follow up proactively if mailings continue beyond 12 weeks

This waiting period is one reason many people turn to automated services—handling these timelines and follow-ups across multiple data brokers becomes overwhelming quickly.

How to Verify Your RedPlum Removal

Verification is where many removal attempts fall apart. You think you've successfully opted out, but mailings continue, and you're not sure if it's a system failure or just the expected delay.

Confirming Successful Removal

The only definitive verification is the absence of RedPlum mailings. Unlike online data brokers where you can sometimes search for your profile, RedPlum doesn't offer a public search function. Here's how to properly verify:

• Wait the full 10-12 weeks before making any judgments about success

• Monitor your mailbox consistently. RedPlum typically delivers weekly or bi-weekly, so you should notice their absence within a month after the processing period ends

• Check for all RedPlum variations. The company delivers materials under several brands:

- RedPlum branded envelopes and booklets

- Save.com coupon packages

- Retailer-specific circulars delivered through RedPlum's network

- Co-branded materials with local newspapers

• Distinguish RedPlum from other direct mail. Just because you're receiving coupons doesn't mean they're from RedPlum. Check the sender information on the materials

What to Do If Mailings Continue

If you're still receiving RedPlum materials 12+ weeks after your opt-out request, take these steps:

• Verify it's actually RedPlum. Check the sender information on the materials—other companies deliver similar coupon packets

• Check for address variations. Look at exactly how your address appears on the continued mailings. If it differs from what you submitted in your opt-out request (even slightly), you'll need to submit another request with the exact format they're using

• Submit a new opt-out request using the exact address format from the materials you're receiving

• Document the continued mailings. Take photos showing:

- The date you received them (postmark or delivery date)

- Your address as it appears on the materials

- The RedPlum/Save.com branding

• Contact RedPlum directly via phone (1-800-237-2400) with your documentation and previous opt-out confirmation

• Reference privacy laws if you're in a state with strong consumer privacy protections. For California residents, mentioning CCPA rights can accelerate resolution

Legal Recourse for Continued Mailings

If RedPlum continues mailing you after multiple opt-out requests and sufficient processing time, you have options:

File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. While the FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, patterns of complaints can trigger investigations.

Contact your state Attorney General's consumer protection division. Many states have laws against deceptive marketing practices and failure to honor opt-out requests.

In California specifically, CCPA violations can result in statutory damages. If you've submitted a proper opt-out request under CCPA and RedPlum continues processing your data, you may have grounds for a complaint with the California Attorney General's office.

Consider the DMA Mail Preference Service at dmachoice.org. While this is a separate opt-out system, it covers many direct mail marketers including RedPlum's parent company, providing an additional layer of protection.

Preventing Future RedPlum Listings

Removing yourself from RedPlum once doesn't guarantee permanent protection. The company can re-acquire your information through new data purchases or when you interact with their partners. Here's how to minimize future exposure:

Immediate Prevention Steps

• Register with DMAchoice.org - The Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service costs $2 (for processing) but opts you out of direct mail from thousands of companies for 10 years. This covers RedPlum and many similar services

• Never sign up for "free" coupon services without reading their privacy policies. Many digital coupon apps and websites are data collection fronts that share information with direct mail marketers

• Avoid retail loyalty programs that don't clearly limit data sharing. When you do use loyalty cards, read the privacy policy and opt out of third-party sharing

• Be selective with contest entries and sweepstakes. These are notorious for collecting information that gets sold to data brokers and direct mail companies

Long-Term Privacy Practices

Understand the data broker ecosystem. RedPlum is just one of hundreds of companies trading your information. According to research by the data privacy industry, the average American's information appears in databases of 200+ data brokers. GhostMyData monitors 2,100+ data brokers, far more than competitors who typically cover only 35-500 sources.

Limit your digital footprint in ways that affect physical mail:

• Use a PO Box or mail forwarding service for online purchases when possible
• Opt out of data sharing in every online account's privacy settings
• Request that retailers not sell your information (this is a legal right under CCPA and similar state laws)

Monitor your presence in data broker databases. The most effective prevention is catching new listings early. You can either:

• Manually check major data brokers quarterly (extremely time-consuming with hundreds of sites)
• Use an automated service that continuously monitors for your information

Leverage state privacy laws where available:

• California (CCPA/CPRA): Gives you the right to opt out of data sales and request deletion
• Virginia (VCDPA): Provides similar opt-out and deletion rights
• Colorado (CPA): Includes rights to opt out of targeted advertising and data sales
• Connecticut (CTDPA): Offers comprehensive opt-out rights
• Utah (UCPA): Provides data deletion and opt-out rights

When interacting with any company that might share data with RedPlum or similar services, explicitly invoke these rights in writing.

Address-Level Protection

Since RedPlum primarily targets based on physical addresses, consider these address-specific strategies:

For new residents: When you move, immediately opt out of direct mail services before data brokers associate your name with your new address. The first few months at a new address are when you're most likely to be added to marketing databases.

For homeowners: Your property records are public and feed directly into data broker databases. While you can't hide ownership records, you can aggressively opt out of marketing databases that use this information.

For renters: Request that your landlord or property management company not share resident information with third parties. Some property managers sell tenant lists to marketers.

The Whack-a-Mole Problem

Here's the frustrating reality: opting out of RedPlum addresses one company, but your information likely appears in dozens or hundreds of similar databases. Each requires separate opt-out procedures, different waiting periods, and ongoing monitoring.

This is why individual opt-outs, while important, aren't sufficient for comprehensive privacy protection. You need either:

• Dedicated time for ongoing privacy management (estimate 10-20 hours initially, then 2-5