Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Experian, Ford, and Identity Theft

Posted by michael on from the run-over-by-the-canyonero dept.

corebreech writes "The mighty New York Times (I think they might want you to register) is reporting that hackers posing as Ford employees have managed to pilfer some 13,000 credit reports (Quality is Job 1.) Supposedly the info isn't restricted to merely credit card numbers, but rather includes such delectable delights as address, SSN, bank account info and creditworthiness. Glad I take the subway." The original story was from the Boston Globe.

3 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. Just In Case... by LISNews · · Score: 5, Informative

    www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcra.htm here's an FTC FAQ on credit reports.
    Experian , Transunion and Equifax are the big 3 for reports.

  2. Guarding / checking against Identity Theft by Seth+Finkelstein · · Score: 5, Informative
    This isn't in the NYT or Boston Globe articles, but it's good info from another story on the theft:

    Experts urge consumers to check their credit file once a year. Call Experian at (888) 397-3742 for a credit report, and review it for an unauthorized inquiries.

    Also, contact the remaining two credit bureaus, Equifax at (800) 685-1111 and Trans Union at (800) 916-8800.

    Ford Credit said that it has reinforced the security of their credit inquiry access process to prevent future occurrences.

    To contact Ford Credit with questions, call (888) 838-8176 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT, Monday through Saturday.

    Sig: What Happened To The Censorware Project (censorware.org)

  3. IMPORTANT - Opt out by Permission+Denied · · Score: 5, Informative
    (888) 567-8688

    Call this telephone number. This number is maintained by the three credit reporting agencies and it allows you to "opt-out" of certain marketing games; basically, this means the three credit reporting agencies will no longer be allowed to give your credit report to marketers, but only to people with whom you actually have business.

    Ford is a legitimate business; if you don't "opt-out," they can get a credit report on you. I opted out and I've never done business with Ford, so this story doesn't affect me.

    Another nice thing about using this number to "opt-out": I no longer receive any junk mail. No more pre-approved credit cards, no more free offers, no more anything. I now look forward to checking my mail every day, as it only contains only bills and personal correspondence. I also say "put me on your do-not-call list" to telemarketers and I don't watch TV, so live in an almost completely ad-free world. It's a very nice world and I invite you in.