Experian Credit Reports Stolen with Ford Authorization Code

CNN / Money Magazine - May 17, 2002

Experian credit reports stolen

Thieves are unbelievable. If only they'd apply their talents to something worthwhile. In this case, they got their hands on a Ford Motor Credit authorization code for Experian, one of the major credit bureaus. This allowed them to make requests for people's credit reports directly from Experian, just like they were a Ford dealership.

This may affect you, even if you've never owned or financed a car from Ford. The reports were pulled from the general population, not just from Ford customers. I've read elsewhere that they even targeted affluent neighborhoods, just to victimize people with bigger credit lines. If you were one of the victims, however, you should have received a letter from Ford. They've also set up a toll-free line just for this issue - 888-838-8176.