Safeguarding your data | Consumer Information Portal | Experian (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to give my information to Experian? ›

When we request personal information from you, it is to provide you with safe and secure access to features on Experian Connect, such as ordering your credit report. Under no circ*mstances will we resell or provide your personal information to any third-party marketers.

The leak happened in 2015, but Experian was challenged over a massive data leak. This company is under investigation for carelessness, infringement of privacy, and breach of personal data. It's not known how the leak was uncovered but there are chances that someone noticed the exposed API and conveyed it to Experian.

The personal data we hold is sourced from trusted data partners who have direct contact with you already, and where appropriate notice has been given for them to pass your information to Experian for use in our products and services – these partners include lifestyle surveys, publishers, competition and money saving / ...

A Social Security number (SSN) is helpful when compiling your credit history because it is the only identifier uniquely assigned to each U.S. consumer. Experian will ask for it when you order your own credit report to help ensure that we provide you a complete and accurate report.

Customers with an Experian account, such as CreditExpert, can share Open Banking data (information about their bank account transactions) with Experian. This can be used to try and improve their likelihood of being accepted for credit or to support financial management.

Experian Information Solutions, Inc. has faulty procedures that result in mixing consumers' files and credit reports. Experian made these errors on Plaintiff's credit reports when it mixed Plaintiff with another consumer who has significant derogatory accounts, including a bankruptcy.

How do I know if my data has been breached? ›

Signs of a possible data leak or compromised email account include: Difficulties logging into your email account could indicate unauthorized access or a changed password.

Ensure that your computer, smartphone and other mobile devices are password protected. Only download from reputable sources. Install the latest operating system, anti-virus, anti-spam and firewall programs and keep them updated. Exercise caution when using public networks.

The links power the Experian Boost and Personal Finances tools, and they're generally safe and secure. However, there's always a risk with sharing information, and you can unlink accounts at any time and request Experian to delete your personal data.

We only keep your data for a reasonable time

In all cases, our need to store and use your personal information will be reassessed on a regular basis. Any information we no longer require is safely disposed of.

We work with third parties who provide services including but not limited to credit card processing, data analysis, order fulfillment, list enhancement and other administrative services. We may disclose personal information to such third parties for the purpose of enabling these third parties to provide services to us.

Experian has a solid reputation and over 125 years of industry experience. It's recognized globally for various credit-related services and currently serves consumers in 30 countries.

Experian uses bank-level encryption and a trusted third-party service to link your bank accounts. The links power the Experian Boost and Personal Finances tools, and they're generally safe and secure.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you.

The main disadvantage of Experian is that, unlike FICO, it is rarely used as a stand-alone tool to make credit decisions. Even lenders that review credit reports in detail rather than go off a borrower's numerical score often look at results from all three bureaus, not just Experian.