Experian Presents Fraud Forum 2001; Leading Experts Address Ways to Combat Rampant Consumer Fraud.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2001

Experian, a global information solutions company, will host its Fraud Forum 2001, June 18-19 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Atlanta.

The Forum features leading experts in consumer fraud and is a must-attend event for business leaders who want to gain control of one of the most serious problems facing their businesses today. This year's keynote speaker is Fred H. Cate, professor of law and director of the Information Law and Commerce Institute at the Indiana University School of Law and a widely published expert on the issue of fraud and identity theft. The registration fee is $300.

"Much of today's consumer fraud is the work of highly organized and sophisticated criminals who operate with little fear of getting caught," said Lyn Porter, vice president of Experian's fraud management group.

"Application fraud is among the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, costing businesses more than $35 billion a year. Today, thanks to the Internet and the convenience of instant credit approval, it's easier than ever for criminals to steal identities and falsify information. In an effort to address this escalating problem, state and national legislators are considering ways to protect consumers from becoming victims without creating further strains on commerce."

The Forum will showcase experts discussing such critical topics as the balance between privacy and fraud prevention, Internet fraud and its effect on financial lending, the effect identity theft has on customers and how biometrics will change the face of fraud prevention.

"Fortunately, new fraud prevention and authentication techniques can help businesses gain the upper hand," said Porter. "We encourage anyone who must balance risk of fraud with the need to satisfy customers and drive their businesses forward to attend this worthwhile event."

For more information and to register for Experian's Fraud Forum 2001 log onto the Experian Web site and click on the events sections.

About Experian

Experian is an information solutions company. It uses the power of information to help its clients target prospective customers, manage existing customer relationships and identify opportunities for profitable growth. Through multi-channel delivery of its Web-based products and services, Experian enables its clients to conduct secure and profitable e-business.

Experian is a subsidiary of The Great Universal Stores PLC and has headquarters in Nottingham, U.K. and Orange. Its 12,000 people support clients in more than 50 countries. Annual sales are about $1.5 billion.

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.experian.com.