The security and privacy of your information is important to us. So let's get started with confirming your identity. Please say or enter your Social Security number."
If this call is regarding your own personal credit report, to activate a fraud alert, place a freeze on your personal account, or file a dispute, please press one. If you're an existing Experian business and have a product question, invoice question, or need assistance with your membership or subscription, please press two."
Calling this number can get you help from Experian if you're willing to enter personal information. However, that's not its main purpose. This number is intended to be used by business contacts of Experian who work with the company in a professional capacity.
Even with that in place, the automated system gives you an opportunity to either choose personal or business when calling. If you don't have a business account, you can choose personal, but you'll then have to enter in your Social Security number to proceed further and talk to a live person.
However, there's a way that you can get information from Experian without giving out personal information. If you refuse to provide your SSN three times, the system tells you it needs to confirm your identity before assisting you, and asks if you want to change your response. Refusing again takes you to a new menu, where you can ask for information about things from the automated system.
Once I reached this menu, the system suggested I could get information about issues such as fraud alerts and getting a credit score, and I asked it about setting up a fraud alert. The system went on to say it could either read me the website address or read me the instructions for setting up a fraud alert on my account without using the phone.
I asked it for the instructions, and the system began the process of going through each step one at a time. At the end of each step, I could either ask it to repeat that information, go back to the previous step once I'd passed step one or move to the next step if I was ready for it. When I reached the final step, my options were moved down to the previous step or repeating the information. Additionally, I could also go to the main menu at any time, or could choose to end the call if I'd gotten all the information I needed.
Overall, I thought the automated system was set up very well. I didn't have any issues getting information from the step-by-step explanation, and was able to get a complete picture of everything I need to do to get a fraud alert set up.
I really appreciate that the step-by-step explanation exists over the phone, as it makes sure everyone is taken care of by the system. Older people might not feel comfortable using the internet, but also might not want to give their information out on the phone. People in rural areas without good access to the internet can also get all the information they need without ever requiring anything more than a phone connection.
You'll be better served if you're willing to enter personal information, but even if you aren't, you can still get information from this number. It shouldn't be your first option because it's for business, but I'd use it if needed.