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New Equifax Credit Watch Service Monitors All Three Major Credit Reports
Latest version offers consumers the highest level of fraud protection
Atlanta , March 31, 2005 - Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today introduced the latest version of Equifax Credit Watch™ with alerts based on key credit file changes at all three major credit reporting companies - offering consumers the highest level of fraud protection. By adding 3-in-1 monitoring to Equifax Credit Watch™ Gold, consumers automatically receive alerts within 24 hours of key changes reported by the three nationwide credit reporting companies.
Recent research has shown credit monitoring services are a powerful tool in combating identity theft. Javelin Strategy & Research recently lauded Equifax as the company whose credit monitoring products offer "the most value" for consumers. "While free credit reports do offer limited value, credit monitoring services can help eliminate consumers’ blindsides to fraud," according to Javelin’s recent report, entitled "Credit Monitoring and Identity Fraud Insurance: What Do Consumers Need, and How Should It Be Offered?"
"Time is a crucial factor when a consumer is a potential victim of identity theft," said Vince Corica, group executive, Personal Solutions, Equifax. " Equifax Credit Watch Gold with 3-in-1 monitoring gives consumers the information they need to respond to suspicious activity on each credit file – in most cases before fraudsters can do significant damage and impact their good name."
Equifax Credit Watch Gold with 3-in-1 monitoring provides consumers with comprehensive identity theft protection in one central source. Features include unlimited access to the Equifax Credit Report, identity theft insurance, 24-hour customer service, support from Equifax fraud specialists and a copy of the 3-in-1 Credit Report, giving consumers a line-by-line comparison of their credit file from all three major credit reporting companies.
Customers who already subscribe to Equifax Credit Watch products will be able to upgrade their existing subscriptions to add 3-in-1 monitoring by contacting their Equifax customer service representative.
"With identity theft becoming an increasingly pervasive threat, it is critical for consumers to adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding their personal information," said Jon McDowall, managing director, Fraud Resource Group and licensed fraud investigator. "Checking your credit report once a year is no longer enough to defeat the ever-changing tactics of today’s identity thieves. Ongoing monitoring and early detection of identity theft through a comprehensive credit monitoring service is the best defense against what has become America’s fastest growing crime."
Providing 3-in-1 monitoring with Equifax Credit Watch Gold represents another milestone in Equifax’s industry-leading efforts to help consumers combat identity theft. This product builds upon the success of Equifax Credit Watch Gold and Equifax Credit Watch Silver, which offer consumers daily or weekly alerts of key credit file changes. Equifax Credit Watch products are part of Equifax Personal Solutions, designed to enlighten, enable and empower consumers to take control of their credit. To learn more about Equifax Personal Solutions products, visit www.equifax.com.
About Equifax Inc.
Equifax Inc. is a global leader in turning information into intelligence. For businesses, Equifax provides faster and easier ways to find, approve and market to the appropriate customers. For consumers, Equifax offers easier, instantaneous ways to buy products or services and better insight into and management of their personal credit. Equifax. Information that Empowers.
About Javelin Strategy & Research
Javelin Strategy & Research provides research-based strategic direction for financial services, payments, e-commerce, and identity fraud. Javelin rigorously researches technology issues, industry trends, attitudes and activities of consumers, small businesses, institutions, processors, merchants, billers, and other organizations in order to deliver relevant, high-impact strategic guidance.
About Fraud Resource Group
Fraud Resource Group is dedicated to the prevention and investigation of business, insurance, on-line and identity frauds. Jon McDowall is the Managing Director for Fraud Resource Group and has been providing fraud investigation, consulting and risk mitigation training for over 18 years. He is a court-recognized expert witness regarding identity frauds and author of numerous articles, white papers and other publications, including "The Identity Theft Handbook."
Contact Information:
David Rubinger
Media Relations
(404) 885-8000
david.rubinger@equifax.com |
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