April is Financial Literacy Month, but for college students, money is top of mind all year round. A national survey shows that almost 80% of students are experiencing a negative impact on their mental health because of financial stress. Those concerns lead 59% of them to consider dropping out of school. This underscores the importance of normalizing and modernizing conversations around money and credit. Experian is proud to lead the way through partnerships with HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement®. In addition to creating the Credit Academy for college students, we hold the #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know), which gives students the opportunity to earn scholarships and address how to share their knowledge with their peers and communities. We asked some recent #IYKYK Pitch Competition scholars what they found to be the most surprising as they’re learning about credit and finances: Remi Ore, Fisk University Forty-two percent of people are credit invisible in the U.S. and that\’s interesting. Credit actually shapes their life and their future. They\’re expected to build a future on top of a system like this, and yet they\’re invisible to that system. How are they supposed to move forward from there? How are they supposed to get mortgages, own homes, get good jobs, and impact the community as well? That is one thing that was very surprising to me going through this journey. Sovit Lekhak, Fisk University Growing up I had a rough patch in my childhood where my family struggled with gambling addiction and financial problems. So, I was always scared of getting credit. I was scared of loans, and I was scared of paying them back. When I took Experian’s Credit Academy, I realized that getting credit is not always bad and it\’s actually even necessary just to build up that profile, and that reference for the future. I think that mindset switch has opened a whole new world to me. Ayo Oyeniyi, Talladega College It was surprising to hear that when you\’re done with a credit card, you don\’t have to destroy it. You shouldn\’t do that. That was shocking because typically when you\’re done with stuff, you throw it away. But that was surprising that you have to keep it, because destroying it would affect your credit mix. That would affect your credit score. Izu Mba, Talladega College The fact that essentially credit is good. Growing up, owing money was not good in any form. So that whole idea of being able to owe to own is such a beautiful concept for me that I learned. Lakayla Chapman, Bowie State University One thing that learned and found surprising was that credit is not always a bad thing. Growing up, my mom has been really in my ear about credit. The way she came at it was that credit is a bad thing, ‘Don\’t get loans, don\’t do this, don\’t do that.’ But I\’m taking in the information that credit is not always bad. Credit can make you who you can be in the future. Aissata Sy, Bowie State University One of the shockers for me is when I learned that people our age, young adults, 18 to 24, a lot of them don\’t know how to check their credit score or know where to go (to find out). Having that tool is very important. You could just be freewheeling down here and not know what your score is, and then you go to buy your car, they check your score and it\’s like, ‘Oh.’ And you didn\’t know. So, checking that and keeping up with that is very, very important to know where you stand.

We can unequivocally say artificial intelligence (AI) is single-handedly transforming industries right in front of our eyes. From improving fraud detection to developing AI-powered chatbots to manage customer inquiries, AI is reshaping how businesses innovate and operate. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, businesses across the spectrum have to continue balancing innovation with ensuring the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner. At Experian, we believe the dual focus not only drives our technological advancements forward but reinforces our commitment to helping provide fair and transparent outcomes for consumers. We recognize the power of AI lies in its ability to transform data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make more informed decisions, enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiencies. For instance, we recently launched the Experian Assistant, which is part of the Experian Ascend Platform™. This agentic AI tool leverages natural language inputs to help reduce the time it takes to develop complex analytical models and solve for multifaceted use cases. In addition, the tool allows financial institutions to explore vast datasets and deliver more value to customers.  However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we continue to harness the technology and unlock the full potential of AI, we are committed to understanding and defining the right frameworks for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI solutions.  Our approach to the responsible use of AI allows us to get ahead of the potential risks instead of responding and reacting. Experian’s governance frameworks on the use of AI are built on intentional and deliberate choices about our policies and principles; it empowers us to innovate, as well as build trust with our clients, consumers and the broader community.  We believe that ethical AI use is a fundamental aspect of our corporate responsibility. In addition to our internal governance, we actively collaborate with our clients and other industry leaders to help shape the future of AI. Actively engaging with industry stakeholders allows to us to contribute to the standards that help promote transparency, fairness and accountability. While we are excited about the potential of AI and its ability to transform the financial services industry and beyond, we are steadfast in our commitment to its responsible use. To realize the full promise of AI, all stakeholders need to be a force for positive change. Related Posts

For the sixth year in a row, Experian North America has been named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. This year, we ranked 60. I could not be prouder of the culture we’ve built on a foundation of support, collaboration and inspiration. Because of our team’s commitment to our shared mission, we are a trusted consumer brand, empowering consumers in more ways than we ever have before. And, because of our team’s commitment to innovation, we are a leader in data and technology, helping our clients excel in their industries every day. The list is based on the results of the Great Place to Work survey: 92% of colleagues say Experian’s flexible ways of working enable them to work productively and that they’re made to feel welcome when they join our team. And 90% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community. The year ahead is about unlocking our full potential which brings together our unmatched data, market opportunities and a team that’s passionate about building what’s next. Experian is poised to deliver some of our most impactful solutions yet for the clients and consumers who count on us. Our commitment to bring Financial Power to All has been honored with the 2025 BIG Innovation Award for groundbreaking generative AI-powered tool, Experian Assistant, Top Score in the 2025 Corporate Equality Index, Top Workplace for Disability Inclusion, and as one of the 25 World’s Best Workplaces™ 2024. Learn more about Experian in our Experian Power of YOU Report 2024 available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. 

Homeownership is a goal for many across the income spectrum; however, the goal can often feel unattainable. Rising home prices, elevated interest rates and high down payments and closing costs are significant barriers to homeownership, particularly for first-time homebuyers. We also can’t forget that historical policies and practices made it nearly impossible for minorities to buy homes in certain areas, regardless of income, prohibiting families from building generational wealth—a ripple effect that continues to impact aspiring homeowners today. While banks and other mortgage servicers offer programs to help low- and moderate-income individuals and households, including down payment assistance, these programs only scratch the surface. Homeownership is more than just a down payment and the purchase price; it’s insurance, HOA fees, maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and more. But it’s not just the financial aspect; the mortgage process itself can feel complex and overwhelming. First-time homebuyers don’t know what they don’t know. The financial services and mortgage communities have an opportunity to demystify the mortgage and homebuying processes and equip prospective homebuyers with the knowledge to better plan and prepare for homeownership. Financial knowledge is the foundation for economic empowerment Because of the stigma surrounding homeownership, many consumers don’t believe homeownership is a possibility for them. The truth is it can be, and it’s our responsibility, as an industry, to help them realize it. That means going into communities and engaging people in a direct conversation, understanding the challenges they’re experiencing, and helping them navigate them. Some of the common questions we hear include: What is a good credit score to buy a home? How do I qualify? When is a good time to buy? Knowledge is power. People welcome the opportunity to learn more about the mortgage process. Fortunately, the onus doesn’t fall on any one organization. We all play a role. For instance, at Experian, we’ve worked with programs such as HomeFree-USA’s Fast Track to Homeownership, which is designed to get renters ready for mortgage approval and homeownership. Its intermediary network oversees 53 affiliated community and faith-based housing counseling agencies across the nation. Additionally, Experian is part the Mortgage Banker Association’s CONVERGENCE Collaborative, a charitable organization designed to address the racial homeownership gap. The effort brings together various stakeholders across the mortgage industry to provide the knowledge and resources to help underserved communities achieve their homeownership goals. Financial literacy is the cornerstone of economic empowerment. Collaborating with community-based organizations, as well as non-profits, can help members of the financial services and mortgage industries more effectively reach prospective homebuyers and help them develop a game plan to achieve their financial goals. Homeownership is a pathway to financial security—but for too many, it feels out of reach. Now is the time for industry-wide collaboration to create lasting impact. Through financial literacy and equitable access to mortgage opportunities, we can build a stronger, more inclusive housing market for future generations. Related Posts

In some instances, the ways in which lenders make decisions is not unlike looking through a keyhole. From this vantage point, there is some information, but it isn’t the whole picture. Lenders are often making decisions on a subset of information about a consumer. And for millions of people in America, including those who are thin-file or credit-invisible, the amount of information available is limited.   Our goal is to help our clients gain a more representative understanding of consumers to better inform their decisions and ultimately better serve consumers.   Credit reports and traditional credit scores will continue to be an extraordinarily important part of the process, but we’re continually asking ourselves: how we can leverage our unique vantage point to help our clients obtain a more complete picture to create new opportunities for consumers?   One proven way we can achieve this is by helping financial services companies more easily leverage consumers’ banking and transaction information through open banking. This information can advance financial inclusion by providing a more comprehensive and accurate view of a consumer while giving consumers greater control of their data. And our research shows most consumers are onboard, with 71% stating they’re willing to provide this information if it increases their likelihood of qualifying for credit.1 Introducing Cashflow Score  Today, we’ve unlocked an exciting milestone in making the use of this information more accessible with the launch of Cashflow Score. This is the latest in a short list of products that can be used to make lending decisions, leveraging consumer-permissioned transaction information to more accurately assess risk, particularly for credit invisible or un-scorable consumers who have a bank account.  The score provides lenders with a clearer view of an applicant’s financial behavior, including income, expenses, cash reserves, and more, to enhance risk assessments with up to 25% lift in predictive performance.2 Our solution can easily integrate into lenders’ existing workflows in conjunction with traditional credit scores for credit decisions.   This means lenders can now leverage Cashflow Score in first and second chance credit decisions to assess applicants with limited or nonexistent credit histories, using only bank account data.    The future of financial inclusion  Open banking and transaction data can help create a future where we can help bring financial power to all.    As the only financial services company offering both traditional scores and cashflow-based scoring solutions developed in-house, we are uniquely positioned to connect credit outcomes with transaction data. And we’re just scratching the surface with solutions like Cashflow Score.   As we continue to innovate and embrace the possibilities of open banking, I am optimistic about what lies ahead and how we can expand the keyhole even further.   Together, we can create a more inclusive financial system where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  [1]  Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The makeup of the sample is representative of the U.S. population based on national census data regarding demographic variables such as gender, age and geographical regions. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 17 and March 21, 2024. [2]  Based on Experian analysis when Cashflow Score is compared to conventional credit scores, tailored to targeted risk tiers. Predictability based on KS. Related Posts

Experian’s groundbreaking agentic AI-powered tool, Experian Assistant, has earned the prestigious 2025 FinTech Breakthrough Award for Analytics Innovation. This recognition comes on the heels of the product solution winning the BIG Innovation Award. These awards underscore Experian’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation by helping our customers achieve success. 24/7 Data Expert Integrated with the Experian Ascend Platform™, Experian Assistant functions as a 24/7 data expert, enabling financial institutions to optimize their credit and fraud models with ease. Using natural language processing (NLP), the virtual assistant guides users providing insights, recommendations and coding assistance. The impact is transformative: Experian Assistant cuts model-development timelines from months to just days—and even hours in some cases. By helping users analyze credit and fraud data, adjust model attributes and streamline workflows, it empowers organizations to innovate faster and make data-driven decisions with confidence. Powered by agentic AI technology, Experian Assistant reimagines how data scientists and analysts approach their work. It accelerates insights, fosters collaboration and empowers businesses to deliver exceptional customer experiences while reducing the time and resources needed to bring new initiatives to market. Driving Results While tailored for financial services, Experian Assistant’s capabilities extend across industries. Customers can leverage it for data exploration, model deployment, performance monitoring and faster time-to-market for new offerings. With Experian Assistant, users gain a powerful edge in scoring more consumers, optimizing processes and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Commitment to Customers  Experian received this prestigious award that recognizes those “who are dedicated to reshaping the FinTech industry through innovative technologies.”  This accolade continues to build Experian Assistant’s position as a game-changing solution for Experian’s customers in financial services and beyond. Related Posts

At Experian, we have long championed the use of expanded data sources, including buy now, pay later information, to empower consumers while enabling lenders to make more informed decisions. However, concerns about the negative impact on consumer credit scores have historically prevented many buy now, pay later providers from reporting account information to credit reporting agencies. In an important step towards overcoming these challenges and supporting responsible lending, today, Affirm, one of the largest providers of pay-over-time loans, announced it is expanding its credit reporting with Experian. Greater transparency in buy now, pay later activity is key to helping consumers build their credit histories and supporting responsible lending.Scott Brown, Group President, Financial Services, Experian North America Affirm plans to report all pay-over-time loan products issued from April 1, 2025, and beyond, including Pay-in-4. The move will help drive greater transparency into the buy now, pay later market while helping consumers build their credit histories over time. “Affirm operates on the principles of transparency and putting consumers first, which is why we have been actively engaged with Experian and across our industry to build upon our credit reporting practices,” said Libor Michalek, President at Affirm. “Having all loans reflected in a consumer’s financial profile will help protect and empower borrowers. The buy now, pay later industry must evolve from simply providing flexible payment options to helping consumers build their credit histories and better manage their finances, and we are pleased to be taking this step with Experian.” Experian is committed to driving transparency in the BNPL industry without inadvertently negatively impacting consumers. Given this, the new loan reporting will not be factored into consumers’ traditional credit scores in the near term but may in the future as new credit scoring models are developed. With the new furnishing policy, consumers will be able to see on their Experian credit file information on all Affirm loans issued from April 1, 2025 onward. Consumers can receive an updated version of their Experian credit report at no cost daily by enrolling in a free membership and visiting www.experian.com or via Experian’s mobile app. “Greater transparency in buy now, pay later activity is key to helping consumers build their credit histories and supporting responsible lending,” said Scott Brown, Group President, Financial Services, Experian North America. “We have a longstanding history working with Affirm and applaud them for expanding the reporting of their pay-over-time products. This is the right thing to do for consumers, the industry and the economy at large. Our role as the first credit reporting agency to establish this partnership with Affirm underscores our shared commitment to improve consumer financial health and foster more informed lending decisions.” As BNPL information is reported to Experian by additional BNPL providers, a consumer’s BNPL history will be visible to lenders who request to view it as part of an Experian credit report–enabling lenders to make more informed decisions when determining whether to extend credit offers. We look forward to working with other leading BNPL providers to drive greater transparency in the BNPL space that will benefit lenders and consumers alike. Related Posts

As a father to two young adults, I know how important it is to educate each other on financial health and the tools available to us to improve access and opportunity. I believe strongly in the transformative impact of financial empowerment, and so does Experian. Our mission of Financial Power to All™ inspires us to create products and opportunities that help individuals achieve their financial goals. Consumer debt is at an all-time high, according to the New York Federal Reserve which reported that total household debt increased by $93 billion in the fourth quarter of  2024 to $18.04 trillion. Debt can be a significant barrier to financial stability and success, limiting opportunities, creating stress, and hindering individuals from reaching their full potential. Recognizing these challenges, Experian is partnering with ForgiveCo, a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), to manage the acquisition and cancellation of $5 million dollars in qualifying consumer debt for over 5,000 families in Louisiana, one of the poorest states in the United States. Having spent my childhood summers in Louisiana, I have personally seen the impact debt can have on families. Breaking down one of the barriers to financial empowerment is one of the reasons this program is so important to me.  As part of the program, we are excited to be teaming up with Louisiana State University (LSU) star athlete Flau’Jae Johnson to reach more consumers and make a bigger impact with this program, forgiving an additional $100K for every LSU women\’s basketball win during the college basketball tournament. A star athlete with NIL deals, she knows the importance of managing finances and has a passion for reaching young adults with financial empowerment messages. She has been involved in other programs with us and is a great partner. This is just one of many initiatives to help consumers and our commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond debt relief. We evolve our educational resources and products to better support the millions of members we serve, as well as underserved communities. Some of our other activities include the creation of the B.A.L.L. for Life™ initiative that connects African American and Hispanic youth with financial education, supporting scholarships for Asian Americans through the Ascend organization, providing custom resources for Out & Equal and Born This Way Foundation for the LGBTQ+ community, supporting the NextGen Innovation Lab for Disability:IN, and sponsoring credit counseling for the military community with Operation HOPE. To learn more, visit our website or hear directly from Flau’Jae below.   Related Posts

Anniversary Showcases Groundbreaking Innovations for Businesses and Consumers This year marks a major milestone for Experian as its Innovation Lab in North America celebrates 15 years of driving technological transformation. Over the past decade and a half, the Lab has been at the forefront of data and AI-driven solutions, helping our clients reshape industries and expanding financial inclusivity. A Legacy of Innovation The Experian Innovation Lab has played a critical role in advancing AI-driven credit risk models, fraud detection systems and no- and low-code AI tools. A groundbreaking achievement is the development of the Ascend Analytical Sandbox™, the industry’s first Big Data architecture-based commercial product. This tool evolved into the Experian Ascend Platform™, revolutionizing data analysis with advanced visualization, seamless model development and deeper consumer insights. The Lab’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its work to help develop Experian Assistant, a Generative AI-powered tool using natural language processing to expedite model development and address complex data challenges. By incorporating agentic AI, Experian Assistant enhances credit scoring accuracy for a broader consumer base for financial services clients—aligning with Experian’s mission to foster financial inclusion. Transformative Technological Milestones Throughout its 15-year journey, the Experian Innovation Lab has worked on numerous industry-first advancements, including: AI-Driven Marketing & Fraud Detection – Leveraging AI for personalized marketing and real-time fraud detection. Machine Learning for Identity Resolution – Enhancing security and efficiency in identity verification. Generative AI for Consumer Products – Transforming how individuals manage credit and make informed financial decisions. Shaping the Future of AI and Data Science At its core, the Innovation Lab thrives on exploration and collaboration. Engaging leadership and fostering grassroots innovation accelerates progress through prototyping and employee-driven ideas. This dynamic approach ensures Experian remains a leader in AI, machine learning and data analytics. The Lab’s success has inspired additional innovation centers in the UK and Brazil, further amplifying Experian’s global impact. AI for Good: Innovation with Purpose Beyond financial services, the Lab has harnessed AI for societal impact. The Experian COVID-19 Outlook and Response Evaluator (CORE), an interactive heat map, helped healthcare organizations identify communities most at risk. By analyzing de-identified health data, this tool helped provide insights for pandemic response. Additionally, the Lab has used AI to analyze data and generate insights to help combat human trafficking, underscoring Experian’s dedication to addressing social challenges. As the Experian Innovation Lab enters its next chapter, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and data science, ensuring its innovations continue making a meaningful impact. Related Posts

As Valentine\’s Day approaches, many couples are reflecting on their relationships and the factors that contribute to their success. While love and compatibility are often at the forefront, financial transparency and communication play a crucial role in sustaining romantic relationships. According to new research from Experian, financial issues have led to the end of relationships for more than a quarter of Americans.  Financial transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring a healthy relationship. Experian\’s research highlights that 1 in 4 U.S. adults have faced ultimatums regarding financial improvements, and 34% have hidden purchases from their partners. These findings underscore the need for open and honest conversations about finances. Additional key findings include: StatementTotalGen Z (18-27)Millennial (28-43)Gen X (44-59)Boomer (60-78)Silent (79+)I discuss financial goals with my partner. 79%80%84%77%77%66%I have either been on the giving or receiving end of an ultimatum that finances had to be improved for a relationship to progress.25%43%36%18%11%4%I’ve had a relationship end due to my own or a partner’s financial issues.27%36%40%23%15%0%I typically spend $100 or less on gifts for my partner for special occasions.61%54%53%62%70%72%I typically spend $100 or more on gifts for my partner for special occasions.39%46%47%38%30%28%Saving money as a couple is somewhat or very important to me.93%94%93%91%93%90%I have hidden a purchase from my partner.34%34%36%36%32%20%It’s important that my partner talks to me prior to making any major purchasing decision.76%71%75%74%81%80%My partner and I have a set limit before we need to consult the other prior to making a purchase.54%73%65%52%40%24%My partner and I have a limit of $500 before we agree to consult each other prior to making a purchase.33%57%39%32%18%20% Whether you’re newly matched or in a long-term relationship, here are three ways to protect your financial health in relationships: Communication is key: Money is not meant to be a taboo topic in relationships. In fact, nearly 80% say they discuss financial goals with their partner. Make money part of your regular conversations with your partner. Set a budget: More than 3 in 4 (76%) say it’s important their partner talks to them prior to making any major purchasing decision and 54% of couples have a set limit before they need to consult their partner prior to making a purchase. This is $500 or more for 33% of couples and most couples (61%) spend $100 or less on partner gifts for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Create a budget, revisit it regularly and determine a spending style that works for you and your partner. Create savings goals together: Saving money is top of mind for most and this is true in romantic relationships with 93% claiming it’s important for them to save money as a couple. Opt for date nights at home or find other low-cost ways to spend time together. Experian can also help consumers save money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, negotiating your bills for lower rates and more. [1] For additional money-saving tips from Experian and personal finance experts, join Experian’s upcoming #CreditChat “Breaking Up with Bad Spending Habits: A Financial Detox Plan” on Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. EST on X or Threads. By prioritizing financial transparency and communication, couples can build stronger, more resilient relationships. As Valentine\’s Day approaches, take the opportunity to discuss your financial goals and set the foundation for a secure financial future together. Methodology: Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,004 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is +/-2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between January 3 and January 6, 2025. [1] Subscription Cancellation and Bill Negotiation are available with eligible paid memberships and requires connecting payment account(s) to Experian account. Results will vary. Not all bills or subscriptions are eligible for negotiation/cancellation. Savings are not guaranteed, and some may not see any savings. Related Posts

Experian’s groundbreaking generative AI-powered tool, Experian Assistant, has earned the prestigious 2025 BIG Innovation Award in the Products for Financial Services category. This recognition underscores Experian’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation by helping businesses achieve success and enhancing consumer experiences. The BIG Innovation Awards, celebrated since 2011, honor organizations and solutions that redefine excellence through creativity and measurable impact. Experian Assistant was recognized for transforming how financial institutions approach data and analytics, enabling faster, smarter decision-making that enhances customer experiences and operational efficiency. Redefining Financial Services Integrated with the Experian Ascend Platform™, Experian Assistant functions as a 24/7 data expert, enabling financial institutions to optimize their credit and fraud models with ease. Using natural language processing (NLP), the virtual assistant guides users providing insights, recommendations and coding assistance. The impact is transformative: Experian Assistant cuts model-development timelines from months to just days— and even hours in some cases. By helping users analyze credit and fraud data, adjust model attributes and streamline workflows, it empowers organizations to innovate faster and make data-driven decisions with confidence. Powered by agentic AI technology, Experian Assistant reimagines how data scientists and analysts approach their work. It accelerates insights, fosters collaboration and empowers businesses to deliver exceptional customer experiences while reducing the time and resources needed to bring new initiatives to market. Driving Results Across Industries While tailored for financial services, Experian Assistant’s capabilities extend across industries. Businesses can leverage its tools for data exploration, model deployment, performance monitoring and faster time-to-market for new offerings. With Experian Assistant, users gain a powerful edge in scoring more consumers, optimizing processes and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Recognized Excellence The 2025 BIG Innovation Awards spotlight trailblazers evaluated on creativity, impact and results by seasoned business leaders. This accolade solidifies Experian Assistant’s position as a game-changing solution in financial services and beyond. Related Posts

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles are now among the most destructive recorded in California’s history. Thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed, and many families are facing the heartbreaking loss of their homes, businesses and personal belongings. The fires have also tragically claimed lives and caused significant injuries.  In the wake of such devastation, the immediate priority for everyone is, of course, ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and their loved ones.   As communities come together to navigate this challenging time, we are committed to being a resource to consumers. Our hope is to help those impacted by the fires preempt or prevent potential impacts to their financial health and identity where possible.   If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Los Angeles fires, here are some key points to keep in mind.   1. Safeguard Your Identity  Natural disasters can unfortunately create opportunities for identity theft. Important documents containing personal information may be lost or scattered. According to the Federal Trade Commission, instances of identity theft have nearly tripled over the last decade and scammers often exploit chaotic situations and vulnerable consumers.   Be Wary of Scammers: Sadly, following natural disasters, opportunistic fraudsters often deploy schemes tied to charity and donations, insurance, new financing, construction or clean up, and more. These perpetrators may lift and deploy tactics that were successful following natural disasters in other areas and deploy them to target those impacted by the LA wildfires. Stay vigilant against fraudsters who may try to steal your personal information or money through disaster-related schemes or offers that sound too good to be true.  Use Free Credit Monitoring and Fraud Alerts: Take advantage of these services to keep an eye on your credit activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to your bank or financial institution.  Consider Freezing Your Credit: If your personal information has been compromised, freezing your credit with the three major credit reporting agencies can prevent new fraudulent credit applications. You can freeze your credit for free with Experian by clicking here or enrolling in its free app on your mobile device.   2. Contact Your Lenders  In times of crisis, many financial institutions are willing to work with affected consumers. If you’re worried about paying your bills on time due to the fires, reach out to your mortgage, auto loan, and credit card companies as soon as possible.  Your lenders can report accounts as deferred or in forbearance if you live in an area impacted by the fires. This means no late payments will be reported, allowing you to focus on immediate concerns. However, interest might continue to accrue on the balance, so be sure to understand the terms of any agreement.  3. Use Your Credit Report as a Financial Tool  Tracking down contact information for each of your lenders can be overwhelming. Your credit report, which you can access for free at annualcreditreport.com or via the Experian website or its free app on your mobile device, can be a helpful starting point.  While, understandably, protecting your credit history or identity may not be your immediate concern, taking a proactive approach could help prevent any or further damage to your financial health at a time when you need access to credit the most.  For more tools and resources to protect your credit standing and financial health, please visit Ask Experian.   Related Posts