Consumer Alert: Are credit agencies invading your privacy?

Credit agencies can help people improve their credit and save money, but they can also cost consumers their most private information.

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2019, 6:35 PM

Updated 1,624 days ago

Share:

Credit agencies can help people improve their credit and save money, but they can also cost consumers their most private information.
Financial planner Paul Oster says companies like Experian Boost require access to savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts and more to boost an individual's score.
"They're trying to look at how you manage your money, which could be a good thing," Oster says. "My problem with that is we're sacrificing our most sensitive data. We're sacrificing our privacy."
Experian Boost could be helpful for young adults without much credit history because it allows them to get credit for utility and phone bills.
Oster says those are the accounts that people are most likely to pay late.
"The ulterior motive is they just want to collect more and more data and then sell it or share it with other companies," Oster said. "And that's a problem."
Those who do sign up with Experian Boost can go back to their old credit models or revoke their permission at any time.
It's important for users to do that before their bank accounts get low or they miss utility payments.
 
 
 
 
 
 


More from News 12
0:24
Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

1:45
Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds Saturday afternoon in Connecticut

Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds Saturday afternoon in Connecticut

2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village