10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services in 2024

In identity theft, scammers continuously refine their methods and utilize various techniques and tools to gain unauthorized access to your personal information. With this information, fraudsters can engage in activities such as opening credit accounts, filing fraudulent tax returns, or even assuming someone else’s identity.

To counteract this growing threat, there are top-notch services available that specialize in protecting against identity theft. These services diligently monitor your data, including credit files and online platforms. By doing so, they can promptly notify you if any suspicious or fraudulent activity is detected.

Furthermore, these reputable identity theft protection services also take proactive measures on your behalf by contacting relevant entities like credit bureaus, banks, and creditors when necessary.

They provide invaluable assistance in restoring your identity should it become compromised. If you want to learn more about safeguarding yourself against identity theft or seek recommendations for the best ID theft protection services, continue reading ahead.

>> LifeLock Norton: Best Identity Theft Protection Service >>

10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services

• Lifelock Norton – Best ID Theft Protection Overall

• ReliaShield – Best Identity Theft Protection for Families

• IdentityIQ – Best Social Security Number Monitoring

• Aura – Best for Multiple Devices

• ID Watchdog – Best ID Theft Resolution Service

• IdentityForce – Best for Comprehensive Protection

• Identity Guard – Best for Seniors

• Experian – Best Credit Monitoring

• IDShield – Best for Restoration

• PrivacyGuard – Best Customer Service

In our search for the top identity theft protection service, we focused on providers offering thorough monitoring, quick assistance restoring your identity, and strong data encryption. We also looked for alert systems that promptly notify you of potential threats and services that provide financial protection through insurance or reimbursement.

Key factors we considered included a user-friendly interface, dependable customer support, and affordability. Additionally, we considered additional features such as VPN services and secure password management.

Lifelock Norton – Best Identity Theft Protection Service Overall

LifeLock stands out as the top choice for identity theft protection due to its comprehensive inclusion of advanced cybersecurity software in its plans.

Combined with Norton 360, LifeLock reaches its peak performance, offering a complete cybersecurity suite that delivers multiple layers of defense against existing and emerging cyber threats. This all-encompassing software package is designed to provide users with the utmost protection.

Within Norton 360, you can find an array of essential features such as antivirus and malware protection, parental controls, a password manager, a VPN for five or more devices (depending on your specific plan), and even cloud backup capabilities exclusively for Windows computers.

While LifeLock’s basic plan may seem less extensive than other identity theft services available today, its higher-tier plans offer additional monitoring services rarely found in standard identity theft protection packages. These include social media monitoring capabilities, payday loan monitoring features, and bank account takeover alerts.

If you’re seeking optimal online safety measures against identity theft risks, LifeLock is undoubtedly the ideal solution. However, there may be a rate hike after your first year using their service.

Pros

• Access 24/7 live customer service support

• Experience a simple, user-friendly interface

• Enjoy a 60-day money-back guarantee with an annual membership

• Norton offers a bundle comprising device protection, cloud storage, and VPN services

Cons

• Plan rates escalate after the initial year

• Credit monitoring services and reports are restricted to one bureau across most plans

Plans & Pricing

• The Standard plan is $9.99 monthly for the initial year, with a subsequent renewal rate of $11.99 monthly. Alternatively, users can choose the annual payment plan at $7.50 per month for the first year, necessitating an upfront payment of $89.99, followed by a renewal at $124.99 per year.

• The Advantage plan is priced at $17.99 for the first year, with a subsequent monthly renewal rate of $22.99. Alternatively, users can opt for the annual payment plan at $14.99 per month for the initial year, requiring an upfront payment of $179.88, and then renewing at $239.99 annually.

• The Ultimate Plus plan offers comprehensive protection at $23.99 monthly for the initial year, with a renewal rate of $34.99 monthly. Alternatively, users can choose the annual payment option at $19.99 per month for the first year, necessitating an upfront payment of $239.88, and then renewing at $339.99 per year. Each tier provides a range of features and benefits tailored to meet different user requirements.

>> Consider LifeLock to Protect Your Identity >>

ReliaShield – Best for Families

ReliaShield is our top choice for identity theft protection for families, providing exceptional value through its comprehensive and highly affordable group packages.

With ReliaShield’s family plans, you can cover two adults starting at a monthly rate of $14.99. This pricing is significantly lower than the usual starting price of $25 per month for family identity monitoring plans.

Along with its competitive pricing, all ReliaShield plans offer five types of monitoring: regular updates on data breaches, 24/7 customer support and recovery services, and wallet protection. Moreover, there are no additional charges for including children under 18 in the coverage, making it an ideal option for households with multiple minors.

While ReliaShield includes credit report reminders in their essential individual and family plans, more robust credit protection services are only available in their mid-level and premium plans.

These enhanced services encompass single or three-bureau credit monitoring options, a monthly tracker for your credit score updates, and notifications regarding credit card applications.

In addition to these features focused on personal financial security, ReliaShield also understands the importance of safeguarding against neighborhood predators and social media threats, both crucial areas where families need protection. However, please note that these particular features are not included in the Essential plan offered by ReliaShield.

Pros:

• Alerts for data breaches

• Monitoring of dark web and neighborhood predators

• Family plans encompass all children under 18 years old

• 24/7 customer support and unlimited assistance with recovery

Cons:

• Credit monitoring services are not included in the basic plan

• Three-bureau credit monitoring is solely accessible with the priciest plan

Plans & Pricing

• The Essential tier is accessible at $7.99 per month or a reduced yearly fee of $87.99, while the Family Essential tier is priced at $14.99 per month or $164.89 annually.

• The Prime tier is offered at $14.99 per month or a yearly rate of $164.99 for individuals and $24.99 per month or $274.89 annually for families.

• The Elite tier provides advanced protection at $21.99 per month or $241.89 per year for individuals and $34.99 per month or $384.89 annually for families. Each plan is tailored to meet the diverse needs of individual users or families seeking comprehensive identity theft protection.

>> Consider ReliaShield to Protect Your Identity >>

IdentityIQ – Best Social Security Number Monitoring

IdentityIQ has a distinct objective: safeguarding customers against various types of identity fraud, such as financial and medical insurance fraud. Its primary focus is on combatting fraud that involves Social Security information.

The IdentityIQ team takes extensive measures to oversee activities related to Social Security numbers. What distinguishes them is their unwavering commitment to keeping customers well-informed.

In contrast to other services that merely flag suspicious activities, IdentityIQ ensures that users receive alerts whenever their SSN is utilized, regardless of whether the activity appears suspicious. This approach guarantees that no activity goes unnoticed.

However, in addition to monitoring, IdentityIQ offers proactive safeguards like a VPN. Furthermore, it provides safety measures if a customer becomes a victim of identity theft this includes exceptional identity restoration service, dedicated case managers based in the US for personalized support and guidance throughout the process, and insurance coverage up to $1 million.

Pros:

• Extensive credit and identity monitoring

• US-based customer support and identity restoration teams

• Identity theft coverage of up to $1,000,000 for legal, out-of-pocket, and indirect expenses

• Free coverage for children under 24 years old is included with the Secure Max plan

Cons:

• Third-party data sharing

• Absence of mobile applications

• Lack of social network monitoring

• Limited phone support availability

Plans & Pricing

• The Secure tier is $6.99 per month or a reduced monthly rate of $5.94, with an annual billing option of $71.30. The Secure Plus tier is available at $9.99 or $8.50 monthly, billed annually at $101.90.

• The Secure Pro tier is priced at $19.99 per month or a discounted monthly rate of $16.99, with annual billing at $203.90.

• The Secure Max tier provides advanced features at $29.99 monthly or $25.50, billed annually at $305.90. These choices enable users to select the level of protection that best suits their needs, whether every month or with yearly billing.

>> Consider IdentityIQ to Protect Your Identity >>

Aura – Best for Multiple Devices

Despite being a newcomer in the industry, Aura has quickly established itself as a formidable player by providing an extensive range of affordable services. Each subscription offered by Aura includes identity and credit monitoring, monitoring of online and financial accounts, and device protection.

The device protection package encompasses various features such as a VPN, antivirus software, password manager, encrypted vaults, and more. With prices starting at just $12 per month, Aura offers exceptional value for its services.

Furthermore, all Aura subscriptions provide users with insurance coverage of up to $1 million for lost or stolen funds resulting from identity fraud. In addition to this financial safeguarding measure, Aura ensures its customers receive top-notch assistance in restoring their identities in theft or fraudulent activities.

Aura stands out from the competition by providing a complimentary trial period. During this 14-day timeframe, you can fully explore and evaluate the service before committing. If you find that Aura meets your needs and preferences, you can confidently continue your subscription.

Alternatively, canceling is hassle-free and straightforward if Aura doesn’t meet your expectations or requirements. It’s worth noting that only a few companies in this industry offer a free trial period.

Therefore, we recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to test out Aura and get a general sense of what it’s like to have an identity protection service, especially if it’s your first time exploring such options.

Pros:

• Utilizes AES-256 encryption for data security

• Cost-effective plans commencing at $10 per month

• Engages all three credit bureaus for monthly monitoring

• Aura aggregates monitoring data from various sources such as public records, the dark web, new account records, and data broker lists

Cons:

• Associated with Five Eyes

• Absence of live online support

• Android app presents navigation challenges

Plans & Pricing

• The Individual plan is available at a monthly rate of $15 or an annual billing option of $12, totaling $144 annually.

• For couples seeking protection, the service provides a monthly rate of $29, with the choice to pay annually at $22 per month, amounting to $264 annually.

• Families can select the Family plan for $50 per month or the annual billing option at $37 per month, totaling $444 annually. These alternatives cater to diverse needs, whether every month or through yearly payments.

>> Consider Aura to Protect Your Identity >>

ID Watchdog - Best ID Theft Resolution Service

ID Watchdog is a Denver-based company that has been combatting identity theft since 2005. Owned by Equifax, a renowned credit bureau, ID Watchdog lives up to its name with adequate protection measures. Users receive reports from all three major credit reporting agencies as part of their membership benefits.

However, what sets ID Watchdog apart is their exceptional expertise in resolving identity theft cases. If your identity is stolen, you can rely on a certified ID theft risk management specialist who will diligently handle your case until your identity is fully restored.

Unlike some companies that may grow weary over time and cease providing aid when faced with the long-lasting consequences of identity theft, ID Watchdog remains dedicated and committed to helping you throughout the process.

In addition to their exemplary resolution services, members enjoy advanced preventative measures against identity theft. For example, ID Watchdog actively monitors dark web forums and various sources to identify any suspicious activities or breaches promptly.

Upon detecting such activity, they immediately notify you so that proactive steps can be taken, such as changing email passwords or implementing other security measures.

With its comprehensive approach and vigilant monitoring system in place, ID Watchdog ensures that you stay one step ahead of criminals while maintaining peace of mind regarding the safety and security of your personal information.

Pros:

• Exceptional identity theft restoration support

• Highly secure two-factor authentication

• Backed by Equifax, a leading credit bureau

• Outstanding credit monitoring capabilities

Cons:

• Apps have received low ratings

• Lack of a money-back guarantee

• Credit score tracker relies on data from only one bureau

• Equifax, the owner of ID Watchdog, has experienced past data breaches

Plans & Pricing

• ID Watchdog Select is priced at $12.50 per month with an annual plan. It offers benefits such as basic and advanced identity monitoring, dark web monitoring, fraud alerts, and professionally managed ID theft resolution. However, this plan does not include credit reports.

• On the other hand, ID Watchdog Premium, available at $18.33 per month with an annual plan, offers all the benefits of the Select plan, along with a monthly Vantage credit score pulled from all three credit bureaus and an annual report from all three bureaus.

>> Consider ID Watchdog to Protect Your Identity >>

IdentityForce – Best for Comprehensive Protection

IdentityForce, a reputable company based in Massachusetts, is widely recognized as one of the top providers of ID protection services for families. Their primary focus lies in safeguarding children’s identities.

Ensuring kids’ online safety is crucial, given the potential risks present on the internet. This is why IdentityForce’s family plans include a Virtual Private Network (VPN), an essential tool for maintaining online privacy.

Additionally, they offer protection against phishing, a prevalent form of identity theft. By incorporating these extra features into their services, IdentityForce effectively shields you and your child from falling victim to online identity theft.

Regarding identity protection features, IdentityForce goes above and beyond by assigning certified agents to assist you in resolving any identity fraud that may occur.

These dedicated professionals are available round-the-clock via phone to address your concerns, handle necessary paperwork with efficiency and expertise, and guide members in fully using their comprehensive identity theft insurance policies that provide coverage up to $1 million.

Pros:

• Excellent family plans available

• Offers social media monitoring

• Includes recovery services with every plan

• Incorporates anti-phishing and anti-keylogging software

Cons:

• iOS app performance is subpar

• Prices are not the most competitive in the market

• Difficulty in locating information about the UltraSecure plan

• Operates within the U.S. and is a member of Five Eyes

Plans & Pricing

• The Ultra Secure plan is accessible at a monthly rate of $17.95, with the alternative of an annual payment option for $179.50.

• For those seeking a more extensive package, the Ultra Secure + Credit plan is available at a monthly cost of $23.95 or an annual fee of $239.50. These options allow users to choose the plan that aligns best with their requirements, whether they prefer the flexibility of monthly payments or the value of yearly billing.

>> Consider IdentityForce to Protect Your Identity >>

Identity Guard – Best for Seniors

Emerging during the rise of the internet in the 1990s, this company based in Virginia focuses on safeguarding personal identities in today’s digital era. With a primary goal of protection, an Identity Guard subscription includes all four essential features mentioned earlier.

• Theft prevention

• Credit monitoring

• Identity recovery assistance

• Identity theft insurance up to $1 million

In addition, Identity Guard family plans offer protection for children regarding online safety. Suppose any member of the family becomes a victim of identity fraud. In that case, they will receive support from a dedicated case manager who will assist in restoring their identity and provide coverage for expenses up to $1 million associated with the incident.

Pros:

• Comprehensive identity theft protection plans available

• Offers up to $1 million in identity theft coverage

• Includes Facebook timeline analysis feature

• Services enhanced by IBM® artificial intelligence technology

Cons:

• No money-back guarantee provided

• Absence of fraud alerts with credit bureaus

• Mid-tier and upper-tier plans come at a higher price point

• Lack of ‘limited power of attorney for recovery services’

Plans & Pricing

The identity theft protection service provides a variety of plans designed to meet the specific needs of individuals and families. In the category of individual plans, there’s the Value plan, which costs $8.99 per month or a discounted rate of $7.50 per month when billed annually at $90.

For more comprehensive coverage, the Total plan is available for $19.99 per month or an equivalent monthly payment of $16.67 when billed annually at $200.04.

For those who require advanced protection, there’s the Ultra plan, which comes for $29.99 per month or an equivalent monthly payment of $25.00 when billed annually at $300.

For families, there are different options available in the Family Plan. These include the Value plan, which costs $14.99 or $12.50 per month if billed annually at $150. The Total family plan is priced higher at $29.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $25.00 if billed annually at a total cost of $300.

Lastly, the Ultra family plan provides comprehensive protection for a higher price of $39.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $33.33 if billed annually at $399.96.

These various options give individuals and families the flexibility to choose the most suitable plan based on their preferences and needs, whether they prefer paying monthly for convenience or opting for annual savings by being billed once every year.

>> Consider Identity Guard to Protect Your Identity >>

Experian – Best for Credit Monitoring

Experian IdentityWorks, a leading service for protecting against identity theft, has earned the title “best credit monitoring.” As a subsidiary of Experian, the renowned multinational credit reporting agency based in Ireland, IdentityWorks offers comprehensive monitoring of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

What sets IdentityWorks apart is its daily updates on your Experian score a significant advantage compared to monthly updates offered by other services.

These daily updates give you an early warning system for potential identity fraud and valuable insights to make informed decisions about your credit usage. It’s worth noting that IdentityWorks also provides additional preventive measures to safeguard your identity.

• Monitoring the dark web to detect potential data breaches

• Verifying payday lenders for any applications made in your name

• Scrutinizing social media platforms to identify fraudulent accounts using your name

• Alerting you if a criminal listed in the sex offender registry moves into your neighborhood

Even with the most effective preventive measures, incidents of identity theft can still occur. If your personal information is compromised, Experian IdentityWorks offers assistance in resolving fraud cases and provides coverage for reimbursement of up to $1 million to help safeguard your financial well-being.

Pros:

• Monitoring for social media fraud

• Affordable standard protection plan

• Daily tracking and updates of credit scores

• Credit monitoring and reporting across all three bureaus

Cons:

• The app lacks comprehensiveness

• Cancellation policy may be confusing

• $500k insurance plan lacks competitiveness

• Customer service responsiveness could be improved

• Upper-tier plans come at a relatively high price point

Plans & Pricing

For as low as $24.99 per month, you can get insurance plans for up to $1 million. The price goes up to $34.99 for plans that cover two adults and ten minors.

>> Consider Experian to Protect Your Identity >>

IDShield – Best for Restoration

In the unfortunate event that your personal information is stolen, the financial consequences can be overwhelming. With many identity theft protection companies offering coverage of up to $1 million in ID theft insurance, IDShield stands out by providing even greater protection.

Through its Family Plan, customers are eligible for up to $2 million in reimbursement for identity theft-related expenses. What sets IDShield apart is its dedicated team of licensed private investigators who specialize in handling cases of identity fraud.

This invaluable support is available round-the-clock, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed. Should your identity be compromised, IDShield will diligently continue working on your case until all files are restored and any financial damages are reversed.

Membership with IDShield offers a range of significant benefits:

• ID theft prevention

• Credit monitoring

• Identity recovery assistance

• Identity theft insurance up to $2,000,000

IDShield, a division of LegalShield, is a reputable law firm based in Oklahoma. Since its establishment in 2001, the company has consistently maintained an exceptional A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for 2019.

Pros:

• Access to a 24/7 private investigator hotline

• Remarkable $2 million coverage for family plans

• Abundant educational resources for ID theft protection

• Quarterly credit reporting from either one or all three bureaus

Cons:

• The premium plan is slightly costly

• Limited variety of plan levels and options

• Some users may find the setup process confusing

• Absence of 401(k) or retirement account monitoring

Plans & Pricing

• IDShield Individual, starting from $14.95 per month – This comprehensive ID protection plan actively monitors various platforms, including social media and payday lending services, to identify any signs of fraudulent activity.

In case of identity compromise, users receive dedicated support and can seek guidance from private investigators anytime. With options to choose credit report monitoring from either one bureau (available in the $14.95 per month plan) or all three (offered in the $19.95 per month plan), each plan includes $1 million in insurance coverage.

• IDShield Family, priced at $29.95 per month and above – Extending all the features of the IDShield Individual plan to include coverage for a spouse/domestic partner and up to eight children, the IDShield Family Plan offers comprehensive protection.

Plans come with $2 million in ID theft insurance policies. Credit report monitoring from one bureau is available at $29.95 per month while monitoring from all three bureaus costs $34.95 monthly.

>> Consider IDShield to Protect Your Identity >>

PrivacyGuard – Best for Customer Service

PrivacyGuard is a reputable company that specializes in protecting individuals from identity theft. One of the standout features of this company is its transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structure, which includes low monthly rates and extensive coverage for resolving fraudulent activities.

According to customer reviews, PrivacyGuard is recognized for providing top-notch customer service in the industry. Based in Connecticut, PrivacyGuard offers its services to residents across the United States, excluding Iowa, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

For as little as $9.99 per month, users can access the most affordable ID protection plan offered by PrivacyGuard. This plan provides up to $1 million coverage for fraud resolution. It’s important to note that auto-renewal is mandatory with this package.

In addition to competitive pricing and comprehensive protection against identity theft, customers can expect exceptional customer service when dealing with PrivacyGuard. The company strives to offer various benefits tailored to effectively meet their customers’ needs.

• Credit monitoring

• ID theft prevention

• Identity recovery assistance

• Identity theft insurance up to $1,000,000

Pros:

• Outstanding customer service experience

• Offers up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage

• Entry-level identity theft protection plan at an affordable price

• The premium plan includes credit monitoring and fraud restoration services

Cons:

• No provision for a free trial

• Absence of a dedicated family plan option

• Lack of social media monitoring feature

• The premium plan comes with a slightly higher price tag

Plans & Pricing

• ID Protection, priced at $9.99 per month – While this plan does not offer credit reports, its primary preventive features include dark web surveillance, SSN tracking, and ID verification monitoring. Subscribers also benefit from fraud resolution support and up to $1,000,000 in coverage for identity theft.

• Credit Protection, available at $19.99 per month – This plan does not include the features of the ID protection plan, such as dark web monitoring. However, it provides daily monitoring of credit reports from all three bureaus. PrivacyGuard offers fraud resolution support in case of ID theft and helps secure up to $1,000,000 for theft/damages.

• Total Protection, priced at $24.99 per month – Combining the plans’ features above, Total Protection offers comprehensive identity theft prevention, credit report monitoring, and fraud resolution support. The insurance coverage provided is up to $1,000,000.

>> Consider PrivacyGuard to Protect Your Identity >>

Our Methodology: How We Picked the Best Identity Theft Protection of 2024

When conducting evaluations and investigations into various forms of ID protection services, there are specific criteria that we carefully consider. As we assess these services, the following factors play a crucial role in our analysis:

• Credit agencies monitored: Our preference is for credit monitoring services that cover all three major bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and provide regular updates for both credit scores and reports.

• Financial Areas Monitored: We seek comprehensive monitoring of various financial aspects, including credit card, investment, and bank accounts, as well as payday loans, to ensure the security of our payment information.

• Criminal Areas Monitored: We seek services that offer extensive coverage of criminal areas, including court records, local sex offender registries, and the dark web, among others.

• Identity Theft Insurance: Services must include theft insurance with a maximum reimbursement of $1 million, commonly provided in policies.

• Privacy Jurisdiction: While our primary focus is on U.S.-based services, we consider the privacy jurisdiction of companies, particularly those who prioritize privacy concerns.

• Privacy Policy: We meticulously review each company’s privacy policy to ascertain how they handle our personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure they refrain from selling it to marketers for personalized ads.

• Encryption Method: We prioritize services that employ top-tier encryption standards like AES-256 to safeguard our PII.

• App: When evaluating services, we test their applications on both iOS and Android platforms, favoring those with intuitive interfaces and minimal bugs.

• Pricing: Our budgetary limit is $30 per month, and we appreciate companies that offer discounts for annual subscriptions.

• Customer support: Lastly, we value prompt and effective customer support available via live chat, phone, or email, preferably offering all three options.

>> Protect Your Identity With LifeLock >>

Best Identity Theft Protection Services – Buyer’s Guide

What Is Identity Theft? Everything You Need To Know

Identity theft refers to the unlawful act of utilizing another individual’s personal information for purposes such as making purchases, establishing accounts, obtaining loans, and engaging in various activities.

When your identity is stolen, you may experience financial loss or face legal repercussions if the thief uses your identity during an arrest. Promptly resolving identity theft is crucial; however, it’s even more advantageous to prevent it from occurring altogether.

What Is Identity Theft Protection?

Identity theft protection refers to a range of services that monitor individuals’ personal information across various online platforms, credit applications, criminal databases, and other internet sources. This comprehensive approach often includes insurance for identity theft and credit-monitoring services covering any damages incurred.

• Credit Monitoring: Monitoring your credit scores and reports is crucial in detecting identity theft, mainly when encountering unfamiliar activities. For optimal protection, certain services offer credit scores and reports from all three prominent credit bureaus in the U.S., namely Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

• Identity Monitoring: Identity monitoring encompasses various domains, scanning them for any signs of compromised credentials. From financial sectors such as bank accounts to criminal areas like court records, most identity theft protection services employ artificial intelligence to scan for your personal information.

How Does Identity Theft Protection Work?

Identity theft protection operates straightforwardly. Upon enrollment and payment for the service, we were required to confirm our identity by answering simple multiple-choice questions.

Subsequently, we provided all our personal details; the more information we shared, the more extensively the service could monitor on our behalf.

Completing fields such as name, email address, residential address, phone number, Social Security number, driver’s license number, bank account information, and similar data allowed us to establish notifications.

This ensured we received alerts whenever our information was detected in unauthorized locations. Artificial intelligence software was employed to achieve this level of surveillance. It scanned online and offline sources for any instances where our data may have been compromised.

If an alert was triggered on the app or website interface provided by the service provider (the details are not available), users had access to review what transpired while also having the option to consult with an identity restoration specialist if necessary.

In situations where identities were stolen despite maintaining an active subscription with most services (exact providers are unspecified), potential reimbursement options existed for damages incurred up to a maximum of $1 million. And that concludes a general overview of how identity theft protection functions!

Is Identity Theft Protection Worth the Money?

Investing in identity theft protection is generally a worthwhile expense. However, it’s important to note that not all services are created equal.

Before making any commitments, we strongly advise reading our comprehensive reviews on individual identity theft protection options. Our team has personally evaluated and assessed each service so that you can avoid wasting both your valuable time and hard-earned money.

>> LifeLock to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft >>

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity theft manifests in various ways, and not all involve a malevolent hacker eagerly awaiting your password on the other side of the screen.

Phishing

Identity thieves employ deceptive tactics, such as fraudulent emails or text messages mimicking reputable entities like banks, online retailers, social media platforms, or streaming services, to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information.

These phishing attempts typically prompt recipients to click on a link and take immediate action, often under the guise of resolving account issues or updating payment details. They may also encourage users to download attachments that can infect their devices.

Formjacking

In formjacking schemes, hackers inject malicious code into legitimate website forms to surreptitiously capture billing information or login credentials.

To ensure the security of websites, users are advised to verify that the URL begins with “https” and displays a small lock icon. However, it’s important to note that these indicators could be more foolproof, as sophisticated hackers may incorporate such security measures into form-jacked websites.

Physical document theft

Individuals are urged to avoid carrying sensitive documents such as Social Security cards and passports unless essential to mitigate the risk of physical document theft. Additionally, it’s recommended to dispose of documents containing personal information securely by shredding them before disposal.

Synthetic identity theft

Cybercriminals may engage in synthetic identity theft by combining genuine personal data with fictitious information. For instance, they may use a real Social Security number with a fabricated name to fraudulently apply for loans or other financial services.

Child identity theft

Scammers may exploit children’s personal information to open fraudulent bank accounts and credit cards or obtain loans. Often, child identity theft remains undetected until years later, when the affected individual encounters difficulties securing employment, obtaining car insurance, or applying for credit cards.

>> LifeLock Norton: Best Identity Theft Protection Service >>

The Technology Behind Identity Monitoring

In the realm of technicalities, the fundamental components that drive the functionality of most identity-monitoring services are encryption and artificial intelligence.

Given that we entrust these services with copious amounts of personal information, ranging from our Social Security numbers to our home addresses, it becomes paramount that they employ secure storage methods, necessitating encryption.

Essentially, encryption converts our data into incomprehensible text that can only be accessed via our individual accounts. This ensures that our chosen identity theft protection service does not inadvertently heighten our vulnerability to identity theft - a paradoxical outcome that would defeat the very purpose for which such services were sought in the first place.

Identity Guard and similar companies utilize artificial intelligence to constantly monitor the internet and global domains for any signs of compromised personal information.

In the case of Identity Guard, they employ IBM Watson® Artificial Intelligence to conduct round-the-clock scans in criminal and financial spheres, ensuring the protection of users’ personally identifiable information (PII).

By relying on AI-powered robots for continuous surveillance, these companies offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution than traditional monitoring methods. To better understand Identity Guard’s capabilities, comparing its services with other providers such as Complete ID, IdentityForce, and Infoarmor is beneficial.

Additionally, exploring topics like the Identity Guard app, credit monitoring services offered by Identity Guard, options for a free trial period with Identity Guard, or specific features tailored for spouses can provide further insight into this comprehensive identity protection service.

Can I Monitor My Own Identity? Identity Theft Protection Alternatives

Identity theft can be prevented through various methods, and it’s not limited to relying solely on identity theft protection services. The Federal Trade Commission offers alternative approaches to safeguarding against identity theft.

• Safeguard all essential documents, such as credit cards, Social Security certificates, birth certificates, passports, and Medicare cards, in a secure location. Consider utilizing a reliable home security system for added protection.

• Retrieve your mail promptly from your mailbox to prevent potential theft and unauthorized access to your personal information.

• Immediately shred documents containing sensitive personal information once they’re no longer needed.

• Employ lengthy, intricate, unique passwords for each account to enhance security.

• Utilize anti-phishing software to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access by hackers.

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to safeguard your online activities when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

• Exercise caution when disclosing your Social Security Number, only providing it to businesses when vital and on a case-by-case basis.

• Regularly monitor your credit scores and reports from major credit bureaus such as TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, as well as your bank and other financial or medical accounts.

While no method can guarantee complete immunity from identity theft, implementing these straightforward measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such crimes.

>> Protect Your Identity With LifeLock >>

Identity Theft Insurance

As previously mentioned, most identity theft protection providers include identity theft insurance in their subscription packages. Generally, this insurance offers users a maximum reimbursement of $1 million if they fall victim to identity theft.

It’s important to note that no one or nothing can fully eliminate the risk of identity theft. Even individuals with extensive digital security knowledge, like ourselves, can have their personal information compromised and identities stolen.

This is precisely why identity theft insurance exists within these protection plans - a feature that we truly appreciate.

Identity Restoration and Recovery

Experiencing the theft of your identity can be an extremely distressing situation, resulting in significant financial and emotional setbacks. Thankfully, many companies assist in identity restoration along with insurance coverage.

We were fortunate not to have our identities stolen during our testing process. However, it was reassuring to know that if such a situation did occur, we would have access to 24/7 support from experts.

These professionals would assist us throughout freezing our credit, notifying relevant authorities, and filing insurance claims. Their guidance would be invaluable every step of the way.

How to Report Identity Theft?

To initiate the process of reporting identity theft, you must first submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website, IdentityTheft.gov, or by contacting them at 1-877-438-4338.

After completing the FTC report, you should also file a police report, particularly if you have any suspicions regarding the perpetrator’s identity. The required documents for this procedure include a duplicate of your FTC Identity Theft Report.

This document serves multiple purposes - restoring your identity and proving that someone else has unlawfully obtained your personal information.

• Provide a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

• Present documentation verifying your physical address, such as a mortgage statement or utility bill.

• Submit evidence of identity theft, including unfamiliar bills, repeated credit inquiries, or notifications from government agencies like the IRS.

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Best Identity Theft Protection Services – FAQs

How Do You Check to See if Someone Stole Your Identity?

As per the Federal Trade Commission, several indicators may suggest your identity has been compromised.

• Unexplained withdrawals from your bank account

• Inquiries regarding unfamiliar debts or bills via phone calls

• Missing or undelivered mail

• Erroneous information present in your medical records

• Notification from the IRS indicating a tax return has been filed under your name

• Unfamiliar alterations observed in your credit score or report

How Can I Monitor My Credit for Identity Theft?

Monitoring your credit to protect against identity theft can be done through various methods. One option is to enroll in a credit and identity monitoring service such as LifeLock or Experian. Alternatively, you can obtain free copies of your credit reports from annualcreditreport.com.

It’s essential to carefully review the credit reports provided by the three main credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Look for any signs of unfamiliar accounts, bankruptcies, judgments, or other suspicious activities that may indicate potential identity theft.

Should You Get Identity Theft Protection?

We believe identity theft protection is essential for everyone, regardless of age, financial status, credit history, or other variables. Our personally identifiable information can be easily stolen through various means, such as a lost wallet or a phishing scam.

While it’s important to note that identity theft protection cannot guarantee the prevention of identity theft, it does offer early detection and notification if any suspicious activity is detected. Additionally, it provides insurance coverage in the unfortunate event that your identity is stolen.

Final Thoughts – Best Identity Theft Protection Services

The best identity theft protection service should provide a wide range of identity and credit monitoring services throughout its plans, along with a strong identity restoration package and supplementary cybersecurity tools.

Our evaluation encompassed the monitoring and alert services, reimbursement policies, customer service, and cybersecurity software offered by each provider. This enabled us to determine which companies offer the most exceptional identity theft protection services, such as LifeLock, ReliaShield, and Aura.

>> LifeLock Norton: Best Identity Theft Protection Service >>