Experian decides not to renew deal for hacking victims

By SEANNA ADCOX

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The company that received $12 million to provide South Carolina taxpayers a year of credit monitoring says the state's not offering enough this time.

Instead, Experian wants the nearly 1.5 million people who signed up with it to renew for $12, potentially bringing the company millions more for services the state is also paying for.

Gov. Nikki Haley negotiated Experian's contract last October after a cyber-thief stole the unencrypted personal information of 6.4 million residents and businesses from the state Revenue Department.

Legislators decided in the budget to extend monitoring services, this time through a bid process, which is still under way.

Lawmakers sought better protections and designated $10 million for the first year of a 5-year contract.

Experian spokesman Greg Young said Monday the company decided not to participate.