Experian, a global credit information company, has launched ProtectMyID, a service deisigned to protect consumers against online identity theft attacks.

ProtectMyID features an online service set to enable users to keep track of where their personal information is being used to secure credit. Experian’s product also incorporates credit report monitoring capabilities set to notify the customer via text or email alerts if any credit is applied for in the user’s name. Details of the activity and advice on what to do is then posted to the user's personal and secure online account. As part of the service, users also have access to a dedicated Experian caseworker who can offer individual advice to help resolve the suspected ID theft or other fraudulent activity.

A research conducted in 2009 by Experian has shown that people were taking longer to discover that they have become a victim of fraud, indicating that fraudsters are getting better at covering their tracks since the average time taken is now 416 days, up 17 days compared to 2008. Moreover, year-on-year, reported fraud increased most sharply in early summer of 2009, rising by 57 percent in May and by 74 percent in June, the highest number ever reported to Experian in a single month.

Experian provides data and analytical tools to clients in more than 90 countries.