Experian extends fraud prevention support across new online services available through U.S. Social Security Administration

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian^® today announced that it is extending its Precise ID^SM identity proofing and fraud prevention services that securely authenticate and safeguard the identities of consumers who create an online my Social Security account to access their Social Security earnings and benefit information. An online my Social Security account allows individuals beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive benefits to have access to and control over their personal Social Security information.

In support of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) expansion of its services available through the online my Social Security account, Experian's identity proofing and fraud prevention capabilities will be utilized to authenticate and safeguard the identities of the more than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. These consumers now can access their benefit verification letter, which serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local benefits.

Additionally, people use the letter to prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. Experian's identity proofing and fraud prevention services also will be used by Social Security beneficiaries to securely and instantly access payment history and earnings record using their online account, as well as change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.

"We are proud to continue to work with SSA to provide secure identity proofing capabilities in support of their expanded services available through the online my Social Security account," said Barbara Rivera, president and general manager, Experian's public sector business. "I also encourage people of all ages to take advantage of the important online services and new features available through an online my Social Security account. The planning that you can do with this innovative online tool is truly remarkable."

Individuals age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once there, they must be able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions that only they are likely to know. After completing the Experian secure authentication process, people can create a my Social Security account with a unique user name and password to access their information. Those people not yet receiving Social Security benefits can use their online account to access their Social Security Statement, which provides estimates of future benefits, their earnings history, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes they paid.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), users are giving the online Statement a score of 89 — making it competitive with Social Security's other top-rated, best-in-government online services, such as the Retirement Estimator and online retirement application. The ACSI tracks trends in customers' satisfaction and provides valuable benchmarking insights for companies and government agencies. 

For more information, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2012, was $4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Michael Troncale
Experian Public Relations
1 714 830 5462
[email protected]
Twitter:@tronbueno

SOURCE Experian