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Consumers are experiencing the highest loan rejection rates in a decade, driven by strict lending standards.1 While crucial for mitigating risk, these measures can also limit growth opportunities for financial institutions. Our latest one pager explores how cashflow data, obtained from consumer-permissioned transaction data, empowers lenders with unique insights into consumers’ financial health, enabling them to expand their portfolios while managing risk effectively. Read the full one pager to learn how cashflow data can help you make smarter, more confident lending decisions. Access one pager 12024 Q4 Lending Conditions Chartbook, Experian.

Many organizations remain committed to financial inclusion to create better outcomes for underrepresented consumers and small businesses by unlocking barriers to financial well-being and closing the wealth gap. Organizations like credit unions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) live by these values. These lenders work hard to ensure these values are reflected in the products and services they offer and in how they attract and interact with customers. While funding from the federal government is being scaled back for many of these community-based financial institutions, Experian is scaling up! We're still here to support CDFIs, Credit Unions, and their members, along their financial inclusion journey. The cross-walk between DEIB and financial inclusion Although Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and financial inclusion involve different strategies, there’s an undeniable connection that should ultimately be tied to a business’s overall goal and mission. The communities that are historically underrepresented and underpaid in the workforce – including Black Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, and rural white Americans – also tend to be marginalized by the established financial system. Financial institutions that work to address the inequities within their organizations and promote financial inclusion may find that these efforts complement each other. DEIB policies help promote and support individuals and groups regardless of their backgrounds or differences. While financial inclusion is less specific to a company or organization, instead it describes the strategic approach and efforts that allow people to affordably and readily access financial products, services, and systems. The impact of financial inclusion Lenders can promote financial inclusion in different ways. A bank can change the requirements or fees for one of its accounts to better align with the needs of people who are currently unbanked. Or it can offer a solution to help people who are credit invisible, or unscoreable by conventional credit scoring models, establish their credit files for the first time. Financial institutions also use non-traditional data scoring to lend to applicants that conventional scoring models can’t score. By incorporating alternative credit data[1] (also known as expanded FCRA-regulated data) into their marketing and underwriting, lenders can expand their lending universe without taking on additional risk. Financial inclusion efforts for all Experian is a champion of financial inclusion by supporting both financial institutions and consumers. Through our Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities™ initiative, we work directly with lenders to reach underserved communities and extend greater credit access to consumers. We also offer various tools to help consumers build and understand their credit, and to help financial institutions reach underrepresented communities. We provide individuals with everything from financial inclusion solutions to literacy education to insights about their own financial profile, along with ways to help underrepresented communities improve their financial wellness.* One way that we are doing this is through our consumer programs called Experian Go® and Experian Boost® –that are available for free through the Experian app. These first-of-their-kind programs work together to help consumers improve their credit profile. Experian Go helps individuals establish a credit file, while Experian Boost assists with adding tradelines to an existing credit file. For example, with Experian Boost, individuals can connect positive payments to utility, rent, streaming services, and other accounts to improve their credit scores. Membership with Experian helps consumers monitor their credit, manage their money, and find ways to save money, including shopping for insurance. In fact, consumers saved an average of $828 per year when they switched and saved through Experian Insurance Marketplace.[2] Working together to create financial empowerment There’s no magic solution to undoing the decades of policies and prejudices that have kept certain communities unable to fully access our financial and credit systems. But financial institutions like credit unions, CDFIs and MDIs take steps every day to drive financial inclusion and help underrepresented communities. These values are a part of their business DNA, and Experian is here to help keep their legacy alive. Whether you’ve established your strategy or need help with implementation, we can help you enhance your financial inclusion efforts. Learn more about our helpful solutions. Experian will point you in the right direction to business growth. Visit our website [1] Using Alternative Credit Data for Credit Underwriting. [2] Experian research. *Experian Boost: Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost. Learn more.

Fake IDs have been around for decades, but today’s fraudsters aren’t just printing counterfeit driver’s licenses — they’re using artificial intelligence (AI) to create synthetic identities. These AI fake IDs bypass traditional security checks, making it harder for businesses to distinguish real customers from fraudsters. To stay ahead, organizations need to rethink their fraud prevention solutions and invest in advanced tools to stop bad actors before they gain access. The growing threat of AI Fake IDs   AI-generated IDs aren’t just a problem for bars and nightclubs; they’re a serious risk across industries. Fraudsters use AI to generate high-quality fake government-issued IDs, complete with real-looking holograms and barcodes. These fake IDs can be used to commit financial fraud, apply for loans or even launder money. Emerging services like OnlyFake are making AI-generated fake IDs accessible. For $15, users can generate realistic government-issued IDs that can bypass identity verification checks, including Know Your Customer (KYC) processes on major cryptocurrency exchanges.1 Who’s at risk? AI-driven identity fraud is a growing problem for: Financial services – Fraudsters use AI-generated IDs to open bank accounts, apply for loans and commit credit card fraud. Without strong identity verification and fraud detection, banks may unknowingly approve fraudulent applications. E-commerce and retail – Fake accounts enable fraudsters to make unauthorized purchases, exploit return policies and commit chargeback fraud. Businesses relying on outdated identity verification methods are especially vulnerable. Healthcare and insurance – Fraudsters use fake identities to access medical services, prescription drugs or insurance benefits, creating both financial and compliance risks. The rise of synthetic ID fraud Fraudsters don’t just stop at creating fake IDs — they take it a step further by combining real and fake information to create entirely new identities. This is known as synthetic ID fraud, a rapidly growing threat in the digital economy. Unlike traditional identity theft, where a criminal steals an existing person’s information, synthetic identity fraud involves fabricating an identity that has no real-world counterpart. This makes detection more difficult, as there’s no individual to report fraudulent activity. Without strong synthetic fraud detection measures in place, businesses may unknowingly approve loans, credit cards or accounts for these fake identities. The deepfake threat AI-powered fraud isn’t limited to generating fake physical IDs. Fraudsters are also using deepfake technology to impersonate real people. With advanced AI, they can create hyper-realistic photos, videos and voice recordings to bypass facial recognition and biometric verification. For businesses relying on ID document scans and video verification, this can be a serious problem. Fraudsters can: Use AI-generated faces to create entirely fake identities that appear legitimate Manipulate real customer videos to pass live identity checks Clone voices to trick call centers and voice authentication systems As deepfake technology improves, businesses need fraud prevention solutions that go beyond traditional ID verification. AI-powered synthetic fraud detection can analyze biometric inconsistencies, detect signs of image manipulation and flag suspicious behavior. How businesses can combat AI fake ID fraud Stopping AI-powered fraud requires more than just traditional ID checks. Businesses need to upgrade their fraud defenses with identity solutions that use multidimensional data, advanced analytics and machine learning to verify identities in real time. Here’s how: Leverage AI-powered fraud detection – The same AI capabilities that fraudsters use can also be used against them. Identity verification systems powered by machine learning can detect anomalies in ID documents, biometrics and user behavior. Implement robust KYC solutions – KYC protocols help businesses verify customer identities more accurately. Enhanced KYC solutions use multi-layered authentication methods to detect fraudulent applications before they’re approved. Adopt real-time fraud prevention solutions – Businesses should invest in fraud prevention solutions that analyze transaction patterns and device intelligence to flag suspicious activity. Strengthen synthetic identity fraud detection – Detecting synthetic identities requires a combination of behavioral analytics, document verification and cross-industry data matching. Advanced synthetic fraud detection tools can help businesses identify and block synthetic identities. Stay ahead of AI fraudsters AI-generated fake IDs and synthetic identities are evolving, but businesses don’t have to be caught off guard. By investing in identity solutions that leverage AI-driven fraud detection, businesses can protect themselves from costly fraud schemes while ensuring a seamless experience for legitimate customers. At Experian, we combine cutting-edge fraud prevention, KYC and authentication solutions to help businesses detect and prevent AI-generated fake ID and synthetic ID fraud before they cause damage. Our advanced analytics, machine learning models and real-time data insights provide the intelligence businesses need to outsmart fraudsters. Learn more *This article includes content created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. 1 https://www.404media.co/inside-the-underground-site-where-ai-neural-networks-churns-out-fake-ids-onlyfake/

In today's competitive market, expanding your organization’s customer base can be a daunting task. Limited marketing budgets, high acquisition costs, and the pressure of financial inclusion initiatives can lead to poor response rates and make it challenging to reach the right consumers. If your prescreen policies are too conservative, you might miss out on valuable opportunities. On the other hand, overly lenient policies can lead to wasted resources on uninterested consumers. So how can you strike the perfect balance and ensure your marketing efforts are both effective and efficient? Challenges for financial institutions Research shows that 55% of financial institutions reported building response models that don’t make it to production.[1] This can lead to wasted time and effort as employees work to build models that are never used, which can have a severe negative impact on organizations’ productivity and team members’ morale. In addition, most organizations are not well-equipped to conduct their own analytics, citing limited access to data for response modeling and challenges with incorporating models into a comprehensive campaign strategy. Many institutions are unsure of who to send offers to, which channels to utilize, which offers to send, or how often to send them. To effectively reach consumers, financial institutions need to: Easily access and understand the right data Quickly move to production Deploy models with little to no friction Monitor and refresh models to avoid deterioration Maintain regulatory compliance  So how can your organization accomplish all this to ensure you’re reaching the right consumers with your offers? Ascend Intelligence Services™ Target Ascend Intelligence Services Target (Target) is a cutting-edge solution designed to help businesses target the right consumers with precision. This service leverages custom response models and optimized prescreen strategies to enhance response rates and maximize revenue. At the heart of Target are custom response models developed by industry experts using advanced machine learning (ML) techniques. These models analyze historical data alongside Experian's best-in-class data to identify consumers who meet credit criteria and are more likely to respond to offers. By accurately predicting consumer behavior, these models enable organizations to maximize the return on investment (ROI) of their marketing campaigns and achieve their revenue goals. Additionally, exclusive access to alternative datasets from nontraditional lenders, rental data inputs, and full-file public records provides a comprehensive view of consumer behavior. The inclusion of 24 months of trended data and over 2,000 attributes can further enhance your ability to determine the next best action for each consumer. Watch this video to learn more about Ascend Intelligence Services Target. Optimized prescreen strategy Target's prescreen strategy is mathematically optimized to calculate the impact of your offer on each consumer simultaneously. This approach selects the best consumers to target, allowing you to: Increase response and take-up rates for improved portfolio performance. Minimize prescreen costs by targeting the right people who are more likely to respond to your offers. Expand your lending universe safely and meet diversity and inclusion initiatives by providing the right offer to previously overlooked consumers. Seamlessly integrate into your existing prescreen process for rapid time to value. By incorporating additional variables such as trended and alternative data, you can reach more consumers who might have been overlooked, improving financial inclusion and safely growing your portfolio. The power of optimization allows you to tailor your offers to each consumer, increasing response and take-up rates and enhancing the profitability of your campaigns. Visit our website to learn more about how your organization can utilize our prescreen strategies to maximize your revenue. Learn more [1] Experian research

March is a time when the idea of luck is in the air, with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and hopeful thoughts of pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. But while the "Luck of the Irish" may be a fun idea, scammers take advantage of this sentiment to exploit people through fraudulent lottery scams and prize schemes. Take, for example, the so-called "Luck of the Irish" scams that flood inboxes and phone lines every March. You might receive a message claiming you have won the "Irish National Lottery" or another grand prize, but there is a catch—you need to pay fees or provide sensitive personal information to claim it. Before you know it, the scammers have vanished with your money or used your data for further fraud. Red flags of lottery scams Financial institutions can help protect clients by educating them on the warning signs of fraudulent lottery schemes. According to the FTC website, here are three clear indicators that a prize is too good to be true: You must pay to claim your winnings – Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay taxes, fees, or handling charges upfront. If you are asked to send money to claim a prize, it is a scam. You never entered the lottery – If you did not buy a ticket or enter a sweepstake, you cannot win. Any message saying otherwise is a red flag. They ask for personal or financial information – No legitimate lottery will ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card information to process winnings. How scammers operate Lottery scammers use a variety of tactics to trick victims, including: Impersonating well-known brands or government agencies to appear credible. Sending fake checks that later bounce after victims have sent money. Using high-pressure tactics, such as claiming the offer is time sensitive. Requesting payment through difficult-to-trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. How financial institutions can help clients stay safe Banks and financial institutions play a critical role in protecting their clients from falling victim to lottery scams. Here is how they can help: Educate clients: Provide fraud awareness materials explaining common scams, red flags, and safe financial practices. Implement transaction monitoring: Monitor for suspicious transactions, especially those involving large wire transfers or unusual payments to unknown entities. Encourage multi-factor authentication: Strengthening account security can prevent unauthorized transactions if scammers obtain a victim’s personal information. Offer a safe reporting channel: Encourage clients to report suspected scams so the institution can take preventive action and share warnings with others. Final thoughts Winning the lottery may be a dream for many, but no real jackpot comes with a catch. Financial institutions can be the first line of defense by helping clients recognize scams before they lose money. The best approach? Remind clients that the only "pot of gold" worth chasing is the one they have earned and safeguarded through smart financial habits. And finally, check out this educational tune with a catchy rhythm, designed to raise awareness about scams. Learn more

Market volatility, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations are a catalyst to make energy providers to rethink how they operate. Rising energy costs, grid reliability concerns, and the push for sustainable energy sources add layers of complexity to an already challenging landscape. In this environment, data analytics in utilities has become a strategic imperative, enabling companies to optimize operations, mitigate risks, and enhance customer experiences. With a wealth of data at their disposal, utilities must harness the power of utility analytics to transform raw information into actionable intelligence. This is where Experian’s energy and utilities solutions come into play. With an unmatched data reach of more than 1.5 billion consumers and 201 million businesses, we are uniquely positioned to help energy and utility providers unlock greater potential within their organizations, whether that’s by boosting customer engagement, preventing fraud and verifying identities, or optimizing collections. Market Challenges Facing the Utilities Sector Utilities today face a series of economic, regulatory, and operational hurdles that demand innovative solutions. Regulatory and Compliance Pressures: Governments and regulatory bodies are tightening rules around emissions, sustainability, and grid reliability. Utilities must balance compliance with the need for cost efficiency. New carbon reduction mandates and reporting requirements force energy providers to adopt predictive modeling solutions that assess future demand and optimize energy distribution. Economic Uncertainty and Rising Costs: Inflation, fuel price fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions are impacting the cost of delivering energy. Utilities must find ways to improve financial forecasting and reduce inefficiencies—tasks well suited for advanced analytics solutions that optimize asset management and detect cost-saving opportunities. Grid Modernization and Infrastructure Investments: Aging infrastructure and increased energy demand require significant investments in modernization. Data-driven insights help utilities prioritize infrastructure upgrades, preventing costly failures and ensuring reliability. Predictive analytics models play a crucial role in identifying patterns that signal potential grid failures before they occur. Customer Expectations and Energy Transition: Consumers are more engaged than ever, demanding personalized service, real-time billing insights, and renewable energy options. Utilities must leverage advanced analytics to segment customer data, predict energy usage, and offer tailored solutions that align with shifting consumer preferences. Rising Fraud: Account takeover fraud, a form of identity theft where cybercriminals obtain credentials to online accounts, is on the rise in the utility sector. Pacific Gas and Electric Company reported over 26,000 reports of scam attempts in 2024 and has received over 1,700 reports of attempted scams in January 2025 alone. Utility and energy providers must leverage advanced fraud detection and identity verification tools to protect their customers and also their business. How Data Analytics Is Transforming the Utilities Industry Optimizing Revenue and Reducing Fraud Fraud and revenue leakage remain significant challenges. Utilities can use data and modeling to detect anomalies in energy usage, identify fraudulent accounts, and minimize losses. Experian’s predictive modeling solutions enable proactive fraud detection, ensuring financial stability for providers. Enhancing Demand Forecasting and Load Balancing With renewable energy sources fluctuating daily, accurate demand forecasting is critical. By leveraging utility analytics, providers can predict peak demand periods, optimize energy distribution, and reduce waste. Improving Credit Risk and Payment Management Economic uncertainty increases the risk of late or unpaid bills. Experian’s energy and utilities solutions help providers assess creditworthiness and develop more flexible payment plans, reducing bad debt while improving customer satisfaction. Why Experian? The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making Only Experian delivers a comprehensive suite of advanced analytics solutions that help utilities make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions. With more than 25 years of experience in the energy and utility industry, we are your partner of choice. Our predictive analytics models provide real-time risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer insights, ensuring utilities can confidently navigate today’s economic and regulatory challenges. In an industry defined by complexity and change, utilities that fail to leverage data analytics in utilities risk falling behind. From optimizing operations to enhancing customer engagement, the power of utility analytics is undeniable. Now is the time to act. Explore how Experian’s energy and utilities solutions can help your organization harness the power of advanced analytics to navigate market challenges and drive long-term success. Learn more Partner with our team

Fraud rings cause an estimated $5 trillion in financial damages every year, making them one of the most dangerous threats facing today’s businesses. They’re organized, sophisticated and only growing more powerful with the advent of Generative AI (GenAI). Armed with advanced tools and an array of tried-and-true attack strategies, fraud rings have perfected the art of flying under the radar and circumventing traditional fraud detection tools. Their ability to adapt and innovate means they can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in businesses' fraud stacks; if you don’t know how fraud rings work and the right signs to look for, you may not be able to catch a fraud ring attack until it’s too late. What is a fraud ring? A fraud ring is an organized group of cybercriminals who collaborate to execute large-scale, coordinated attacks on one or more targets. These highly sophisticated groups leverage advanced techniques and technologies to breach fraud defenses and exploit vulnerabilities. In the past, they were primarily humans working scripts at scale; but with GenAI they’re increasingly mobilizing highly sophisticated bots as part of (or the entirety of) the attack. Fraud ring attacks are rarely isolated incidents. Typically, these groups will target the same victim multiple times, leveraging insights gained from previous attack attempts to refine and enhance their strategies. This iterative approach enables them to adapt to new controls and increase their impact with each subsequent attack. The impacts of fraud ring attacks far exceed those of an individual fraudster, incurring significant financial losses, interrupting operations and compromising sensitive data. Understanding the keys to spotting fraud rings is crucial for crafting effective defenses to stop them. Uncovering fraud rings There’s no single tell-tale sign of a fraud ring. These groups are too agile and adaptive to be defined by one trait. However, all fraud rings — whether it be an identity fraud ring, coordinated scam effort, or large-scale ATO fraud scheme — share common traits that produce warning signs of imminent attacks. First and foremost, fraud rings are focused on efficiency. They work quickly, aiming to cause as much damage as possible. If the fraud ring’s goal is to open fraudulent accounts, you won’t see a fraud ring member taking their time to input stolen data on an application; instead, they’ll likely copy and paste data from a spreadsheet or rely on fraud bots to execute the task. Typically, the larger the fraud ring attack, the more complex it is. The biggest fraud rings leverage a variety of tools and strategies to keep fraud teams on their heels and bypass traditional fraud defenses. Fraud rings often test strategies before launching a full-scale attack. This can look like a small “probe” preceding a larger attack, or a mass drop-off after fraudsters have gathered the information they needed from their testing phase. Fraud ring detection with behavioral analytics Behavioral analytics in fraud detection uncovers third-party fraud, from large-scale fraud ring operations and sophisticated bot attacks to individualized scams. By analyzing user behavior, organizations can effectively detect and mitigate these threats. With behavioral analytics, businesses have a new layer of fraud ring detection that doesn’t exist elsewhere in their fraud stack. At a crowd level, behavioral analytics reveals spikes in risky behavior, including fraud ring testing probes, that may indicate a forthcoming fraud ring attack, but would typically be hidden by sheer volume or disregarded as normal traffic. Behavioral analytics also identifies the high-efficiency techniques that fraud rings use, including copy/paste or “chunking” behaviors, or the use of advanced fraud bots designed to mimic human behavior. Learn more about our behavioral analytics solutions and their fraud ring detection capabilities. Learn more

Fraud never sleeps, and neither do the experts working to stop it. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Meet the Maker, our new video series spotlighting the brilliant minds behind Experian’s cutting-edge fraud solutions. In our first episode, Matt Ehrlich, Senior Director of Identity and Fraud Product Management, and Andrea Nighswander, Senior Director of Global Solution Strategy, share how they use data, advanced analytics, and deep industry expertise to stay ahead of fraudsters. With 35+ years of combined experience, these fraud-fighting veterans know exactly what it takes to keep bad actors at bay. Watch now for an exclusive look at the minds shaping the future of fraud prevention.    Stay tuned for more episodes featuring the visionaries driving fraud innovation.

The days of managing credit risk, fraud prevention, and compliance in silos are over. As fraud threats evolve, regulatory scrutiny increases, and economic uncertainty persists, businesses need a more unified risk strategy to stay ahead. Our latest e-book, Navigating the intersection of credit, fraud, and compliance, explores why 94% of forward-looking companies expect credit, fraud, and compliance to converge within the next three years — and what that means for your business.1 Key insights include: The line between fraud and credit risk is blurring. Many organizations classify first-party fraud losses as credit losses, distorting the true risk picture. Fear of fraud is costing businesses growth. 68% of organizations say they’re denying too many good customers due to fraud concerns. A unified approach is the future. Integrating risk decisioning across credit, fraud, and compliance leads to stronger fraud detection, smarter credit risk assessments, and improved compliance. Read the full e-book to explore how an integrated risk approach can protect your business and fuel growth. Download e-book 1Research conducted by InsightAvenue on behalf of Experian

In the latest episode of “The Chrisman Commentary” podcast, Experian experts Joy Mina, Director of Product Commercialization, and David Fay, Solution Consultant, talk about reducing mortgage pipeline fallout and improving loan pull-through rate. Listen to the full episode for all the details and check out the previous episode to explore how lenders can navigate a tight mortgage market, from rates to equity. Listen to podcast

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to locate individuals quickly and accurately is crucial for debt collectors and lenders. Leading skip tracing software is differentiated by data accuracy and data source expansion that delivers increased right-party contact (RPC) rates, better cost efficiency, and improved user experience. The need for improved skip tracing The landscape of skip tracing has changed dramatically in recent years. Call blocking and mislabeling have led to a decline in RPC rates, while increased scam activity has caused many consumers to ignore calls and texts. Additionally, the sheer volume of new information available makes efficiently organizing and delivering helpful results a higher priority than simply gathering data. Here are a few quick stats: Email addresses go stale at a rate of 3% each month There are 820 million changes across all contact databases every 90 days Human errors lead to 50% of data issues, such as a typo that results in a bounced email[1] As a result, we’ve made significant improvements to our skip tracing solution, TrueTrace™. What is TrueTrace? TrueTrace, a powerful skip tracing solution, is a go-to resource for both small and enterprise collectors. For locating hard-to-find individuals, TrueTrace is now even more effective, leveraging advanced technology and more data to enhance its performance. Some organizations that tested TrueTrace saw a 10% lift in RPC rates compared to the competition.[2] Here’s a look at some of the improvements we’ve made: Enhanced data accuracy: TrueTrace now runs on an identity graph to tie data from disparate sources to a unique persistent ID for each consumer. This upgrade improves data matching and accuracy, ensuring that users can rely on the information provided. Expanded data sources: The new version of TrueTrace incorporates email appending, making it a convenient all-in-one solution. By including new and unique data sources, TrueTrace increases hit rates and provides more quality results. With these improvements, here are some potential benefits to your business: Increased RPC rates: Improved data quality and accuracy lead to higher RPC rates, making it easier for collectors to reach the right individuals. Cost efficiency: Reducing operational costs associated with wrong-party contacts and outdated information helps businesses save money and improve their bottom line. Improved user experience: Easier access to accurate data leads to more efficient operations and a better overall user experience. Using an identity graph to organize data points Identity graphs allow organizations to build customer profiles based on a combination of data points. Companies can also use cloud-based services to implement additional, larger sets of data. Within an outreach strategy, skip tracing tools can use identity graphs to associate names, phone numbers, email address, physical address, and assets from multiple, unrelated databases into a single source of accurate information. This can help organizations save time and increase efficiency. Upgrades to skip tracing help businesses enhance efficiency The latest enhancements to TrueTrace represent a significant advancement in skip tracing technology. With upgraded data accuracy, expanded data sources, real-time updates, and flexible integration, TrueTrace offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to improve their outreach strategy. This tool can help businesses achieve higher RPC rates, reduce costs, and enhance their overall operational efficiency. To learn more about TrueTrace and its new features, read our latest whitepaper or visit our website or contact us for further inquiries. Discover how TrueTrace can help your business achieve better skip tracing with higher quality results today. Read the whitepaper Visit our website [1] Experian (2023). Revolutionizing your email strategy. [2] Experian TrueTrace data

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, organizations are turning to token-based authentication as a secure and efficient solution to safeguard sensitive data and systems. Data breaches impacted 1.1 billion individuals in 2024, a staggering 490% increase from the previous year.1 Token-based authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity through digital tokens rather than traditional means such as passwords. These tokens are temporary and serve as access keys, allowing users to securely interact with systems, applications, and networks. The goal of token authentication is to strengthen security while improving the user experience. Instead of relying solely on static credentials (like passwords), which can be intercepted or stolen, leveraging a type of multi-factor authentication like tokens adds an additional layer of security by functioning as dynamic access credentials. How token-based authentication works Token authentication unfolds through a series of steps to ensure robust security. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works in practice: User request and authentication: When a user attempts to log in, they provide their credentials (e.g., username and password). These credentials are verified by the authentication server. Token generation: After verifying the user's credentials, the server generates a token — a cryptographically secured string often containing information like the user's ID and permissions. Token sent to the user: The generated token is sent back to the user or their device to confirm authentication. Token usage for access: Now authenticated, the user uses the token to access the system or application. The token is passed along with each request to ensure the user is authorized to proceed. Token validation: Each time a token is presented to the server, its integrity and expiration are verified. If the token is valid, access is granted; if not, the session is terminated. Token expiration and renewal: Tokens are typically temporary and expire after a set period. Users must either re-authenticate or renew the token for continued access. This limits the time window during which a stolen token can be misused. Types of token authentication methods Token authentication comes in different forms to meet various use case requirements. Common types include: JSON Web Tokens (JWT) Lightweight, self-contained, and easily transferred between clients and servers, JWT is one of the most widely used token formats. It includes claims, which are bits of information about a user encoded within the token, such as roles and permissions. Example: A financial application uses JWTs to ensure only registered users can access private account data. OAuth tokens OAuth is an industry-standard authorization protocol that uses tokens to grant limited access to applications without revealing the user's credentials. It’s often used for third-party service integration. Example: When you log into an e-commerce platform using your Google credentials, OAuth tokens authorize access. Session tokens These are temporary tokens stored on the server to track authenticated sessions, commonly used in web applications to ensure secure browsing. Example: Online banking platforms rely on session tokens for secure user sessions. Refresh tokens Refresh tokens are designed to renew access tokens without requiring the user to log in repeatedly. They extend session durations while maintaining a high-security standard. Example: A subscription service app uses refresh tokens to maintain a seamless user experience without frequent logouts. Benefits of token-based authentication Token-based authentication offers several advantages that make it a preferred security measure for organizations of all sizes. Enhanced security: Tokens reduce the risk of breaches as they are temporary and encrypted. They’re also specific to sessions, applications, or devices, meaning unauthorized users cannot reuse stolen tokens effectively. Elimination of password reliance: Tokens reduce dependence on static passwords, which are often reused and susceptible to brute-force attacks. This bolsters an organization’s overall cybersecurity posture. Improved user experience: Token authentication allows for more seamless interactions by minimizing the need for repeated logins. With features like single sign-on (SSO), users enjoy convenient access to multiple platforms with a single token. Scalability: Tokens are flexible and can adapt to varied business use cases, making them ideal for organizations of all scales. For instance, application programming interfaces (APIs) and microservices can communicate securely via token exchanges. Supports compliance: Token-based authentication helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by offering robust access control and audit trails. This is critical for industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. Cost efficiency: While implementing token-based authentication may require an initial investment, it reduces long-term risks and costs associated with data breaches, system downtime, and customer trust. How Experian can help strengthen your authentication process At Experian, we recognize that strong security measures should never compromise the user experience. That's why we offer cutting-edge identity solutions tailored to meet the needs of organizations. Our tools allow you to integrate token-based authentication seamlessly into your systems while ensuring compliance with security best practices and industry regulations. Are you ready to take your business's security and user experience to the next level? Visit us online today. Learn more 12024-2025 Data Breach Response Guide, Experian, 2024. This article includes content created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information.

The financial services industry faces increasing pressure to innovate in today's fluctuating interest rate environment. For regional banks and credit unions, effective deposit growth strategies involve more than just offering attractive rates. Leveraging data and analytics is key to enhancing deposit portfolios, improving customer engagement, and fostering financial wellness. By prioritizing consumer-focused solutions, institutions can achieve dual benefits: driving organizational growth while meeting customer needs. For a deeper dive into this subject, check out our on-demand webinar “Growing Beyond Interest Rates: The Opportunity for Demand Deposit Accounts.” The current state of interest rates and market dynamics As interest rates change, financial institutions encounter shrinking margins and heightened competition. The stakes are high: 54% of consumers plan to leave their banks within the next year1, often citing unmet expectations for personalized services and financial guidance2​​. This competitive environment requires innovative strategies to retain customers and attract new ones without solely relying on interest rates. Key challenges: Shrinking margins due to rate volatility. Increased competition from fintechs and alternative providers. Rising consumer expectations for personalized, proactive services. Leveraging data and analytics in your deposit growth strategies Regional banks and credit unions can distinguish themselves by investing in advanced data analytics and personalized engagement tools. These strategies help create value for customers while improving the institution’s operational efficiency and revenue potential. 1. Personalization through financial insights According to Experian data, more than half of consumers expect their financial provider to actively support their financial wellness2. However, one-third feel that current efforts fall short3​. Offering tools like spending trackers, budgeting resources, and personalized credit score improvement plans can help close this gap. 2. Engagement-driven solutions Consumers are more likely to stay loyal to institutions that provide actionable insights. Experian’s partners have seen a 5% lift in 12-month retention rates among customers enrolled in credit and identity programs according to data reported by partners2​. Alerts for credit monitoring and financial updates not only keep customers informed but also help drive monthly logins, enhancing cross-sell opportunities. 3. Identity and data protection as value-added services With the increasing threat of identity theft, proactive identity monitoring and restoration services are becoming critical. Banks offering these features—branded under their name—can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty​​. Practical steps for regional banks and credit unions To capitalize on these opportunities, financial institutions should consider the following steps: Step 1: Develop a customer-centric engagement program Tailor programs to different demographic groups. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly drawn to tech-savvy solutions that integrate seamlessly with their financial lives. By consolidating financial management tools within one portal, banks can help simplify customers’ lives and enhance engagement. Step 2: Focus on retention and cross-sell opportunities Consumers engaged with financial tools, such as credit score trackers or budgeting aids, exhibit stronger loyalty and are more likely to adopt additional products​. Use insights from these tools to offer personalized product recommendations that align with their financial journey. Step 3: Offer premium tiers Institutions can create tiered service packages, starting with free offerings (e.g., basic credit monitoring) and progressing to paid premium packages that include advanced identity protection or financial management analytics​​. Step 4: Utilize advanced analytics for targeting By analyzing anonymized customer data, banks can identify high-value segments and tailor marketing efforts to their specific needs. This targeted approach fosters more meaningful relationships and improves ROI on acquisition campaigns​. Case for Action: Why consumer engagement matters A customer engagement program does more than enhance loyalty, it helps drive measurable outcomes: Retention rates: Over 98% for free services and 91% for paid programs.4 Improved credit scores: Subprime consumers enrolled in credit-building tools see an average credit score increase of 32 points​​.5 Higher satisfaction scores: Some institutions offering comprehensive financial tools report a lift in Net Promoter Scores (NPS)​. Conclusion The path forward for regional banks and credit unions lies in moving beyond rate-based competition and looking to multipronged deposit growth strategies. By leveraging data, analytics, and consumer-focused programs, financial institutions can enhance their deposit portfolios and deepen customer relationships. Now is the time to transform engagement into a growth engine, ensuring long-term success in a dynamic market. Ready to elevate your deposit portfolio with our tailored solutions? Click below to learn more or contact us to schedule a consultation and design a program that meets your organization’s goals. Learn more Watch the webinar 1 Retail Bank Customer Satisfaction Holds Steady but Trust Declines, J.D. Power Finds, 2024 2 Experian internal analysis, 2024 3 MX, What Influences Where Consumers Choose to Bank, June 2023 4 Experian Core metrics analysis, October 2023 5 Experian Data, Credit Score Rates with subprime consumers, June 2022 – June 2023

As Valentine’s Day approaches, hearts will melt, but some will inevitably be broken by romance scams. This season of love creates an opportune moment for scammers to prey on individuals feeling lonely or seeking connection. Financial institutions should take this time to warn customers about the heightened risks and encourage vigilance against fraud. In a tale as heart-wrenching as it is cautionary, a French woman named Anne was conned out of nearly $855,000 in a romance scam that lasted over a year. Believing she was communicating with Hollywood star Brad Pitt; Anne was manipulated by scammers who leveraged AI technology to impersonate the actor convincingly. Personalized messages, fabricated photos, and elaborate lies about financial needs made the scam seem credible. Anne’s story, though extreme, highlights the alarming prevalence and sophistication of romance scams in today’s digital age. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), nearly 70,000 Americans reported romance scams in 2022, with losses totaling $1.3 billion—an average of $4,400 per victim. These scams, which play on victims’ emotions, are becoming increasingly common and devastating, targeting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Financial institutions have a crucial role in protecting their customers from these schemes. The lifecycle of a romance scam Romance scams follow a consistent pattern: Feigned connection: Scammers create fake profiles on social media or dating platforms using attractive photos and minimal personal details. Building trust: Through lavish compliments, romantic conversations, and fabricated sob stories, scammers forge emotional bonds with their targets. Initial financial request: Once trust is established, the scammer asks for small financial favors, often citing emergencies. Escalation: Requests grow larger, with claims of dire situations such as medical emergencies or legal troubles. Disappearance: After draining the victim’s funds, the scammer vanishes, leaving emotional and financial devastation in their wake. Lloyds Banking Group reports that men made up 52% of romance scam victims in 2023, though women lost more on average (£9,083 vs. £5,145). Individuals aged 55-64 were the most susceptible, while those aged 65-74 faced the largest losses, averaging £13,123 per person. Techniques scammers use Romance scammers are experts in manipulation. Common tactics include: Fabricated sob stories: Claims of illness, injury, or imprisonment. Investment opportunities: Offers to “teach” victims about investing. Military or overseas scenarios: Excuses for avoiding in-person meetings. Gift and delivery scams: Requests for money to cover fake customs fees. How financial institutions can help Banks and financial institutions are on the frontlines of combating romance scams. By leveraging technology and adopting proactive measures, they can intercept fraud before it causes irreparable harm. 1. Customer education and awareness Conduct awareness campaigns to educate clients about common scam tactics. Provide tips on recognizing fake profiles and unsolicited requests. Share real-life stories, like Anne’s, to highlight the risks. 2. Advanced data capture solutions Implement systems that gather and analyze real-time customer data, such as IP addresses, browsing history, and device usage patterns. Use behavioral analytics to detect anomalies in customer actions, such as hesitation or rushed transactions, which may indicate stress or coercion. 3. AI and machine learning Utilize AI-driven tools to analyze vast datasets and identify suspicious patterns. Deploy daily adaptive models to keep up with emerging fraud trends. 4. Real-time fraud interception Establish rules and alerts to flag unusual transactions. Intervene with personalized messages before transfers occur, asking “Do you know and trust this person?” Block transactions if fraud is suspected, ensuring customers’ funds are secure. Collaborating for greater impact Financial institutions cannot combat romance scams alone. Partnerships with social media platforms, AI companies, and law enforcement are essential. Social media companies must shut down fake profiles proactively, while regulatory frameworks should enable banks to share information about at-risk customers. Conclusion Romance scams exploit the most vulnerable aspects of human nature: the desire for love and connection. Stories like Anne’s underscore the emotional and financial toll these scams take on victims. However, with robust technological solutions and proactive measures, financial institutions can play a pivotal role in protecting their customers. By staying ahead of fraud trends and educating clients, banks can ensure that the pursuit of love remains a source of joy, not heartbreak. Learn more

Debt collectors face a multitude of challenges when it comes to contacting the right people at the right time and improving their processes for collections. We interviewed Matt Baltzer, Senior Product Management Director at Experian, to learn more about how his team is helping debt collectors engage their customers and optimize their collection strategies.