In January 2006, ChoicePoint settled its case with the Federal Trade Commission and paid $5 million into a pool to be used for consumer redress. The FTC settlement requires ChoicePoint to improve its process for accepting clients that obtain information from credit reports. The settlement entered into today by the states goes beyond the FTC settlement and requires ChoicePoint to improve its credentialing process for clients that obtain Social Security numbers and other forms of personally sensitive information.
Consumers who suffered out of pocket expenses relating to identity theft that resulted from the ChoicePoint breach may obtain redress under the FTC Order. The deadline to submit a redress claim form to the FTC is June 22, 2007. If consumers meet the eligibility requirements for redress, they can complete the redress form and submit that for consideration. More information is available at:
Examples of expenses for which consumers may be reimbursed:
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Unauthorized charges on existing accounts NOT covered by bank or credit card company;
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Money paid on new accounts opened in consumer's name;
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Money paid to a debt collector on new accounts opened in consumer's name;
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Cost of ordering new checks;
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Cost to file or receive copy of police report;
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Notary fees;
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Costs associated with correcting unauthorized charges and/or disputing incorrect information - telephone calls; mail, fax, photocopy charges; hourly fees for internet access; travel expenses.
Joining the District of Columbia in the settlement are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
Consumers with complaints about deceptive or abusive practices, including those relating to financial products and services, can call the Office of the Attorney General's consumer complaint hotline at (202) 442-9828. For consumer education tips and information on how to make an effective consumer complaint, go to the Office of the Attorney General website at http://www.oag.dc.gov/.