EQUIFAX HELPS PUBLIC SECTOR FACILITATE INVESTIGATIONS TO REDUCE ID THEFT AND BAD DEBT
Launch of eTrail Delivers Powerful Information to the Public Sector
London, November 10th 2004 – Equifax plc, a leading consumer information provider, has launched eTrail, a powerful online information system designed specifically for the public sector. eTrail offers secure, online access to an extensive consumer database, enabling public sector users to meet both regulatory requirements and commercial pressures. For the first time, a range of public sector departments will gain instant access to records of more than 45 million adults in the UK, allowing them to trace, authenticate, investigate and locate individuals, and recover revenue, quickly and easily.
Equifax eTrail enables public sector officials to investigate individuals under Sections 29 and 35 of the Data Protection Act 1998 for the purposes of crime prevention and facilitation of legal proceedings. This online system provides a vital tool for government departments, helping them to recover revenue and detect fraud through enhanced identity and address verification. With information derived from a number of sources including the Electoral Roll, Registry Trust and Equifax’s own database of over 300 million credit agreements, Equifax is the most powerful consumer information source in the UK.
eTrail allows investigation and revenue recovery systems to be automated and processes to be streamlined, providing critical information on individuals in seconds. It also helps the public sector to comply with best practice procedures.
Lyn Jones, Head of Government Services of Equifax comments, “ eTrail provides 24-hour instant access to a comprehensive range of information, allowing public sector users to significantly improve the way they work. This information serves as a valuable tool in combating ID fraud by allowing staff to verify address information and process applications, quickly and efficiently.
“A trusted custodian of consumer data, Equifax has an established history of providing secure and compliant solutions to the public sector. The development of eTrail is part of Equifax’s commitment to help government staff stay up to date with legislation, enhance efficiency and assist the public sector as it strives to maintain and develop new levels of best practice procedures.”
