Internet credit reports halted

WASHINGTON A new Internet service that promised to let peopleview their credit reports on the global computer network was abruptlyshut down Friday after at least four people were given financialinformation about somebody else.

Experian Inc., one of the country's leading credit bureaus,pulled the plug only 48 hours after launching the service andassuring visitors to its Internet site that they could receivesecure, private reports almost instantly for $8 apiece in moststates.

Company officials blamed the trouble on unexpectedly highdemand from consumers and faulty software that routed the files tothe wrong computers."We've disappointed the people" who wanted the service, saidMartin Abrams, vice president for information policy and privacy atExperian. "My true hope is that other than an inconvenience, no onewas harmed."The improperly disclosed files included information aboutmortgage loans, overdue credit card bills, spending patterns andSocial Security numbers - the sort of financial data routinelyanalyzed by lenders, landlords and automobile dealers to determinethe credit worthiness of potential customers.Company officials said they could not estimate the number ofbreaches that occurred until they contact more than 200 people whobought reports online Friday.To protect against unauthorized access, the service - whichbegan Wednesday - required each person requesting his or her reportfrom the site at www.experian.com to provide a Social Securitynumber, one former address, a personal credit card number and otherpersonal details.