Choicepoint has released a statement that it will be exiting the sensitive consumer social security number market.
Already some users of Choicepoint's AutotrackXP system are reporting that the last 4 digits of social security numbers are removed from consumer reports.
According to Choicepoint:
".. the company will discontinue the sale of information products that contain sensitive consumer data, including Social Security and driver's license numbers, except where there is a specific consumer-driven transaction or benefit, or where the products support federal, state or local government and criminal justice purposes.. "
The company admits that the chage is a direct result of
".. the recent
fraud activity, our review over the past few weeks of our experience
and products, and the response of consumers who have made it clear to
us that they do not approve of sensitive personal data being used
without a direct benefit to them.."
They went on to apologize
"..We apologize again to those consumers who may be affected by the fraudulent activity. We remain committed to helping them take active steps to protect their personal data and to assisting law enforcement officials who are investigating the attacks on consumer's identities.."
According to Choicepoint, products and services that contain sensitive personal information will have to meet one of three tests:
- Support consumer-driven transactions where the data is needed to complete or maintain relationships such as insurance, employment and tenant screening or to provide access to their own data;
- Provide authentication or fraud prevention tools to large, accredited corporate customers where consumers have existing relationships. For example, information tools for identity verification, customer enrollment and insurance claims; or
- Assist federal, state and local government and criminal justice agencies in their important missions.
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