ATLANTA, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Equifax Inc. is offering consumers a new line of defense against online fraud and identity theft. Using the free Equifax Toolbar, powered by EarthLink , the nation's next generation Internet Service Provider, consumers can quickly determine the safety levels of Web sites - before they reveal personal information that could make them vulnerable to fraud. The Equifax Toolbar also includes a pop-up blocker which can save consumers valuable browsing time on the Web.

"Equifax is committed to helping consumers protect themselves from identity theft and keep their personal information out of the hands of fraudsters and identity thieves," said Vince Corica, group executive, Personal Solutions, Equifax. "In an age where phishing scams and online fraud are becoming increasingly prevalent, the Equifax Toolbar is a free offering that empowers online consumers to become more effective guardians of their confidential information and privacy."

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of phishing sites in 2004 rose from 176 in January to 1,518 in November - a 760 percent increase in less than one year. Phishing scams take the form of fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate businesses in order to convince recipients to browse rogue Web sites. Appearing to come from prominent banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishing emails lure recipients into divulging personal financial data, including bank account numbers, credit card information and social security numbers.

Downloadable to any Internet user, the Equifax Toolbar offers real-time fraud detection and analysis. A key component of the Equifax Toolbar is EarthLink's ScamBlocker(TM) which alerts consumers to known or suspected phisher sites and provides information on the safety level of each visited Web site. The tool accesses an encrypted database of known and suspected fraudulent Web sites that is frequently updated, to help protect users from the latest scams and attempts at identity theft.

"Equifax has a well-established reputation as a leading provider of solutions to help protect consumers against online fraud and identity theft," said Matt Cobb, EarthLink's vice president of core applications. "The combination of Equifax's identity theft expertise and EarthLink's protection technology provides consumers with information to make informed decisions and keep their personal information private."

In addition to fraud and identity theft protection through ScamBlocker, the Equifax Toolbar includes the following key features:

- EarthLink Pop-Up Blocker(SM) - Prevents advertising windows from appearing in the customer's main browser window - SpyAudit - Allows consumers to run an analyzed audit report that details all spyware programs residing on their personal computer - Search Tool - Powered by Google(TM), this feature allows consumers to search the Web, stock quotes, white and yellow pages and email accounts

Equifax has a long-standing history of providing consumers with the right resources to manage and protect their personal credit. The Equifax Toolbar is part of Equifax Personal Solutions' offerings designed to enlighten, enable and empower consumers with knowledge and advanced technology. To learn more about the Equifax Toolbar and other Equifax Personal Solutions products, visit http://www.equifax.com/ .

About Equifax ( http://www.equifax.com/ )

Equifax Inc. is a global leader in turning information into intelligence. For businesses, Equifax provides faster and easier ways to find, approve and market to the right customers. For consumers, Equifax offers easier, instantaneous ways to buy products or services, and better insight into and management of their personal credit.

Equifax. Information That Empowers. About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM), EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed and dial up Internet Service Providers. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, wireless voice and data services, or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking, security or voice over IP, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at http://www.earthlink.net/

CONTACT: David Rubinger, Vice President, Communications of Equifax Inc.,
+1-404-885-8555, or david.rubinger@equifax.com ; or Jerry Grasso of EarthLink,
+1-404-748-7208, or grassoj@corp.earthlink.net

Web site: http://www.equifax.com/
http://www.earthlink.net/