Experian Launches ProtectMyID

By Experian, PRNE
Thursday, September 2, 2010

LONDON, September 3, 2010 - Experian has announced the launch of a new service
specifically aimed at protecting consumers against the growing threat of ID
fraud: ProtectMyID.

ProtectMyID offers a comprehensive online service to allow
consumers to keep track of where their personal information is being used to
secure credit. The launch of the service follows research by Experian that
shows identity fraud (www.protectmyid.co.uk/) is on the increase and
is more widespread than ever. Experian revealed that the number of identity
fraud victims who sought help from the company last year leapt by nearly 20%
compared to the year before.

ProtectMyID provides credit report monitoring with text or
email alerts if any credit is applied for in the user's name. Details of the
activity and advice on what to do is then posted to the user's personal and
secure online account. As part of the service users also have access to a
dedicated Experian caseworker who can offer individual advice to help resolve
the suspected ID theft (www.protectmyid.co.uk/whatyouget.aspx) or
other fraudulent activity. Other benefits of the service include free fraud
insurance to cover the cost of resolution up to GBP75,000 (provided by ARC,
underwritten by AXA) and the option for CIFAS Protective Registration.

The Experian research revealed that in 2009, people were taking longer to
discover that they have become a victim of fraud, indicating that fraudsters
are getting better at covering their tracks; the average time taken is now
416 days, up 17 days compared to 2008. Year on year, reported fraud rose most
sharply in early summer, rising by 57% in May and by 74% in June - the
highest number ever reported to Experian in any single month. The average
financial loss per victim was GBP1,100 in 2009 and the most extreme loss
reported to Experian was for almost GBP59,000.

Commenting on the launch of the new product Peter Turner, MD of Experian
Interactive, said "Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the
UK and our research shows that organised criminal fraudsters are not solely
focusing on the wealthy but are now turning their attention to the wider
population.

"There are increasingly higher volumes of less easily detectable crimes
being committed against the more vulnerable groups, including the retired and
young, low-income families. ProtectMyID is a service aimed to provide that
safety net of protection so customers can rest assured that we are keeping an
eye on their personal details, even when they can't."

Whilst credit card fraud is the most obvious aspect of
identity fraud, it is important consumers consider the problems that may be
in store in the future. Without resolving fraudulent activity quickly,
victims of identity fraud could find themselves with problems such as
difficulty obtaining a mortgage or a job - both of which potentially have
implications on an individual's reputation and finances.

About ProtectMyID.co.uk

ProtectMyID is provided by Experian Ltd. Experian Ltd, Landmark House,
Experian Way, NG2 Business Park, Nottingham, NG80 1ZZ, United Kingdom.
Registered No. England 653331.

About Experian:

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing
data and analytical tools to clients in more than 90 countries. The company
helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing
offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check
their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft by
providing identity protection (
www.protectmyid.co.uk/howidentityprotectionworks.aspx), advice on ID
fraud risks (www.protectmyid.co.uk/areyouatrisk.aspx) and identity
fraud facts (www.protectmyid.co.uk/identityfraudfacts.aspx).

    PR Contact:
    Lucy Davies
    Experian
    Cardinal Place
    6th Floor
    80 Victoria Street
    London
    SW1E 5JL
    +44(0)20-304-24870
    www.protectmyid.co.uk

PR Contact: Lucy Davies, Experian, Cardinal Place, 6th Floor, 80 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5JL, +44(0)20-304-24870

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