All articles tagged with #experian
Bill Pulte, head of the FHFA, sparked a stock drop in FICO’s parent and the major credit bureaus after social-media posts alleging overcharging Americans, with Barron’s noting potential regulatory shifts to credit scoring and policymakers weighing stronger solutions.
Experian, one of the big-three consumer credit reporting bureaus, continues to have major security flaws that allow identity thieves to hijack user accounts. Despite previous reports and warnings, Experian has not addressed the issue of allowing anyone to recreate an account using different email addresses. The authentication process is weak, relying on easily obtainable personal information and multiple-choice security questions based on public records. Experian's lack of proper verification measures puts users' personal information at risk and leaves them vulnerable to identity theft. Other major credit reporting bureaus like Equifax and TransUnion require additional verification steps before making changes to existing accounts. Experian's track record of security breaches and vulnerabilities raises concerns about the safety of users' data.
The average credit score in the US is 716, with the oldest generation, the silent generation (78+), having the highest average score of 761, while Gen Z (18-26) has an average score of 680. Factors such as credit history, payment history, amounts owed, recent credit activity, and credit mix contribute to credit scores. To improve credit scores, individuals should focus on making timely payments and keeping debt levels low. While a perfect score of 850 is not necessary, aiming for a mid-700s score can help secure favorable interest rates.
Experian Consumer Services has been fined $650,000 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for spamming customers' inboxes and failing to provide an unsubscribe option. The company allegedly violated the CAN-SPAM Act by not giving email recipients a clear way to opt out of marketing messages. Experian disagreed with the allegations but agreed to the fine. The emails included credit card offers, service pitches, and paid memberships, and some customers who opted out still received them. The CAN-SPAM Act requires businesses to comply with guidelines such as providing clear identification, valid physical addresses, and opt-out mechanisms.