ChoicePoint says it will soon allow consumers to review their personal data files. The company also says it is modifying its records to prevent clients from having access to complete Social Security and driver's license numbers.
The company admitted earlier this year that it inadvertently sold records on more than 145,000 consumers to thieves who fraudulently obtained customer accounts with the giant data broker.
ChoicePoint vice president Don McGuffey yesterday told a California Senate committee that the company is moving as quickly as it can to safeguard consumer records and develop a system that will let people review the ChoicePoint information that is sold to banks, landlords, employers and government agencies.
"You will receive the reports that we have on you," McGuffey said. He did not provide a timetable and did not say whether the consumers would have to pay to review the data.
ChoicePoint Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Derek V. Smith last month said 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.
"These changes are 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," Smith said.
ChoicePoint said its decision to discontinue the sale of certain products is expected to reduce 2005 core revenues by $15-20 million.
