ChoicePoint Reveals Details Of Improperly Sold Data

ChoicePoint, the information services company that admitted selling personal data about 140,000 consumers, has announced the timeline of this matter.

According to a company statement, they were first aware of the potential for improper release of information in October 2004 and notified local law enforcement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. ChoicePoint states that they were asked to not disclose any information regarding this matter because of a criminal investigation. The company was allowed to begin contacting customers in January 2005. By then, law enforcement had identified 750 consumer victims of identity theft that were linked to this release of information.

The price of ChoicePoint stock has dropped 10% since the company announced the information's release. Since then, ChoicePoint has released a table showing that the release impacted consumers in every state. The company has also pledged to increase its investigation of companies attempting to purchase consumer data.

On Friday, Consumer Help Web published a list of tips for consumers who become the victim of identity theft.

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 10:52 AM |