What’s in Your Data Profile?

Saturday, February 13th, 2010 (No comments yet)

LexisNexis and ChoicePoint are two of the largest data-brokers in the world. They’re only product is information about you which they buy and sell with little to no regulation of any kind. I have always wondered what kind of information they keep about us, and now I know. In the profile I ordered from them, I found not only several pieces of my personal information, but descriptions of other kinds of information that they collect. Here is a summary:

Information they Had

Full first, middle, and last name
Wife first, middle, and last name
Address history with dates and locations
Social Security Number
Full date of birth
Driver’s License Number
Vehicle VIN
Insurance history including companies, policy details, dates of coverage, accidents, claims filed, etc.

Information they Collect, but Didn’t Have For Me

Auto and property insurance history
Pre-employment background report including “personal credit information” and state driving record.
An Esteem® report which lists admitted or convicted cases of theft while visiting or working at a retail company (used by retailers for hiring).
A ScreenNow® report which displays a ChoicePoint national criminal records search of your name and personal information (used for hiring and volunteer work).
A Resident Data® history that includes personal credit information and a criminal record search (used for rental applications).
A Resident Data® eviction report used for resident screening.
FAA Aircraft Registrations
Uniform Commercial Code filings (when securing a loan with collateral).
Bankruptcies, Liens, and Judgments
Professional Licenses
Pilot Licenses
Marine Radio Licenses
Controlled Substance Licenses (for physicians, dentists, pharmacies).
Firearms and Explosives Licenses
Business Affiliations (for officers or principals of an incorporated Company).
Significant Shareholders Search Results – If your name and address appear at the top of a corporation record.