RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting today, Discover is offering a free service that monitors risky websites known to illegally sell or trade personal data and alerts Discover cardmembers if their Social Security numbers are found. In addition, Discover will alert cardmembers if any new credit cards, mortgages, car loans or other accounts are opened on their Experian® credit report. These new alerts are aimed at helping Discover cardmembers protect themselves from identity theft or fraud.
With this new offering, Discover is the only major credit card that lets cardmembers activate both Social Security number alerts and new account alerts for free1.
“Helping our cardmembers protect their personal information has always been one of our highest priorities,” said Julie Loeger, Discover’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We’re raising the bar even higher by offering these new alerts for free to our cardmembers. It’s our way of looking out for our customers beyond just their Discover accounts.”
In the event that a cardmember’s Social Security number is found on a risky website or if a new account shows up on their Experian® credit report—even if it’s not a Discover account—the cardmember will receive an email alert or optional text alert. The alerts are intended to help cardmembers determine whether their identities may have been compromised. Cardmembers can call to speak to one of Discover’s 100% U.S.-based customer service agents. If it appears that their identity is at risk, Discover agents can walk them through the necessary steps to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“Knowing is the first step toward preventing or resolving identity theft or fraud. That’s why our new alerts are intended to make sure our cardmembers are in the know when their identities might be at risk,” Loeger added.
Identity fraud is on the rise in the U.S., increasing 16 percent last year to reach a record 15.4 million victims2. What’s more, 49 percent of U.S. consumers feel their personal information is less secure than it was five years ago3.
Discover’s new alerts are part of a wide range of security features available to Discover cardmembers, including:
- Freeze ItSM, which enables cardmembers to freeze their Discover card account in a matter of seconds to prevent new purchases if their card is lost or stolen
- Monitoring of every Discover card purchase every day for every customer
- $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee so cardmembers never have to worry about being responsible for unauthorized purchases on their Discover card
For more information about Discover’s free Social Security number and new account alerts, go to www.discover.com/freealerts.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.
1Only Discover® as of June 2017. Discover Identity Alerts are offered by Discover Bank at no cost, only available online, and currently include the following services: (a) daily monitoring of your Experian® credit report and an alert when a new account is listed on your report; (b) daily monitoring of thousands of risky websites known for revealing personal information and an alert if your Social Security Number on is found on such a website. This information is intended for, and only provided to, Primary credit cardmembers whose accounts are open, in good standing and have an email address on file. The Primary cardmember must agree online to receive identity alerts. Identity alert services are based on Experian information and data which may differ from information and data at other credit bureaus. Monitoring your credit report does not impact your credit score. This benefit may change or end in the future. Discover Bank is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. See Frequently Asked Questions.
2Javelin Strategy and Research’s 2017 Identity Fraud Study
3Pew Research Center’s 2016 Americans and Cyber Security Study
