- provider
- Starting Pricing
- Identity Theft Insurance
- Year Founded
- Why We Recommend
Compare the top identity theft protection services of 2024, ranked by time in business, value for money, past customer reviews and use of technology.
¹ ath Power Consulting, February 2018
* Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group‚ Inc. The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms‚ conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms‚ conditions‚ and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.
** Underwritten by AIG. Family protection plan includes up to three (3) family members under age 24 at no extra cost. Additional family members may be added for a nominal extra cost.
Every day the risk of identity theft is constantly on the rise, making it crucial for you to seek reliable protection. Don't let the threat loom over you; take charge of your security and safeguard your personal information with dependable measures.
The FTC reported that identity theft affected approximately 2.8 million United States victims in 2021, losing $5.8 billion to fraud. That averages out to over $2,000 per victim. Of course, some victims lost significantly more than that.
According to the US Justice Department, personal information, such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and financial data, are prime targets for identity thieves.
Identity theft victims suffer from consequences, including financial losses, damaged credit scores, legal issues, and emotional distress.
We've gathered a comprehensive guide to choosing the top identity theft protection services with adequate identity safeguards.
The Credit Review analyzed leading identity theft protection services in the market today to determine the most suitable options for consumers.
Our assessment considered factors such as monthly cost, plan value, availability of free trials or annual discounts, comprehensive features like credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance coverage, and additional device protections such as antivirus software and VPNs.
Identity theft is a type of crime where someone steals another person's personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or financial details, without permission.
Thieves use your information to commit fraud: make purchases, open credit accounts, or even pretend to be you on the phone. It's like someone pretending to be you and doing things that can harm your reputation and financial well-being.
Understanding identity theft types helps you pinpoint risks and take proactive protection measures. Here are some common types of identity theft:
Understanding how criminals can harm you or someone you love empowers you to take preventative measures.
You might be aware that thieves may go through your trash, but there are many creative ways criminals try to steal your data. Identity theft can happen in many ways:
Security experts recommend that you remain cautious and protect your personal information by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. In addition, be mindful about sharing on social media and regularly monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
The consequences of identity theft can be distressing and impactful. It can harm your credit score, making it harder to get loans or buy things in the future.
Thieves can use your financial information to make purchases or open credit accounts, leaving you with bills and debts you didn't create. Identity theft also causes emotional distress and violates your privacy.
Criminals who file fraudulent tax returns or for unemployment benefits under your name can also bring law enforcement knocking on your door.
You could spend months or years resolving the issues identity theft causes, like disputing fraudulent charges, restoring your credit, and clearing your name. Therefore, the more you can do to avoid identity theft before it happens, the more time and effort it will save you.
Identity theft protection services search for any signs that bad actors are using your personal information. Among other things, ID theft protection companies may alert you if they notice that your information is:
Identity theft protection services use advanced technology to watch over your credit card, email, and other sensitive data for any signs of trouble. If they detect anything suspicious, they'll immediately inform you through alerts.
If they detect someone trying to steal your identity, these services can freeze your credit and set up alerts to prevent thieves from doing further damage. Some services also include insurance to reimburse the money you lose due to identity theft.
Identity theft protection services offer peace of mind with added protection against cyber criminals.
Comprehensive identity theft protection services focus on helping you identify and address problems quickly that can negatively affect your financial well-being. Look for programs that include:
Numerous options can make choosing the best identity theft service seem overwhelming. Here are some elements of identity theft services you should consider.
Identity theft protection is crucial due to the increasing prevalence of identity theft and the associated risks. The financial implications of falling victim to identity theft can be significant, resulting in potential losses of hundreds to thousands of dollars. Moreover, identity theft can affect victims emotionally and psychologically, causing stress and anxiety.
The consequences of identity theft can be long-lasting, affecting both personal and professional aspects of life. Resolving identity theft issues can be challenging, given the complexities of legal and regulatory procedures. However, identity theft protection proactively mitigates risks and minimizes the damage these incidents cause.
Feeling secure and having peace of mind is essential in an increasingly digital world. Identity theft protection services offer a crucial layer of defense against cyber threats, helping individuals stay safe and confident online. Real-life examples and case studies emphasize the necessity of such protection, illustrating identity theft's devastating impact on individuals and underscoring the importance of preventive measures to safeguard personal information.
Identity theft affects millions of people yearly, but specific groups are more susceptible than others. Individuals who can benefit the most from these services are people who:
Businesses and organizations that handle customer data, employee information, or sensitive financial and client data.
In addition to employing identity theft protection services to safeguard personal information, you can take several extra steps to shield your personal information against identity theft.
Remaining proactive in protecting sensitive data helps you stay secure and reduce the risk of falling victim to this pervasive and damaging crime.
As a cautious person, I remain vigilant about protecting my personal information. Fortunately, my family taught me early on to be suspicious of anyone asking about my data, like my social security number. However, a close friend became a victim of identity theft, which made me realize the importance of taking additional measures to safeguard myself.
I enrolled in an identity theft protection service, and it was a decision that brought me immense peace of mind. A few months after signing up, I received an alert about a suspicious attempt to open a credit account in my name.
Thanks to the swift notification, I took action immediately and prevented further damage.
The service's expert guidance during the resolution process was invaluable, helping me dispute the fraudulent activity and restore my credit to its previous state. This personal experience reinforced my belief in the efficacy of identity theft services. I am grateful for their added protection in today's ever-evolving information landscape.
Scams and identity theft will never go away. Criminals will always try to steal money and information from people instead of earning an honest living.
Their techniques continually evolve to take advantage of every new technology and communication method to reach you.
Identity theft protection services provide a proactive defense and valuable peace of mind. By utilizing strong security practices, staying informed about potential risks, and considering reputable identity theft protection services, you can take control of your digital safety and minimize the risk of falling victim to this pervasive and damaging crime.
When considering identity theft protection services, look for features such as credit monitoring, dark web scanning, and identity restoration support. Additionally, prioritize reputable providers with reliable customer support and transparent pricing.
Taking proactive measures is essential to protect yourself from identity theft. Implement extra security practices, stay informed about thieves' common tactics, and consider enrolling in identity theft protection services for enhanced defense.
We recommend prioritizing your protection by adopting purposeful security habits. Then, explore reputable identity theft protection services that align with your needs.
Identity theft protection companies employ techniques like dark web monitoring and artificial intelligence to perform sophisticated credit monitoring.
A basic identity theft protection service plan typically starts between $15 and $25 per month. Your cost will depend on which provider you select, the protection level, and payment frequency. You can save money by shopping around, opting for an annual payment plan, asking about discounts, and utilizing free trials.
Identity theft services are ideal if you are concerned about protecting your information and want additional protection. If you already have a habit of checking your credit, being suspicious of online content and strangers, and not sharing personal information online, you may not need it.
However, suppose you share pictures of yourself, your family, birthdate, hometown, address, employment history, and similar information online. In that case, criminals can easily assemble a fake profile that steals your identity. In addition, if you have minor children or other vulnerable family members, the extra eyes watching for their identity theft can take one worry off your mind.
Finally, assess your needs and compare available services to determine if they align with your requirements and budget.
Aura Identity Guard is the ideal alternative to LifeLock: prices are affordable, starting at $6.67 per month; it provides identity theft insurance up to $1 million, provides the industry's fastest credit monitoring alerts, and has nearly 30 years of experience protecting people's identities.
Protect yourself from identity theft with proactive steps like using secure passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with personal information online.
Additionally, identity theft protection services offered by reputable companies can provide an added layer of defense, offering continuous monitoring, real-time alerts, and expert assistance in case of identity theft incidents.
What is the most common type of identity theft?
According to a 2022 FTC press release, the most common types of identity theft are:
The best identity theft protection for seniors should include comprehensive monitoring of personal information, credit reports, and financial accounts.
Additionally, services with easy-to-use interfaces, excellent customer support, and specialized assistance for elderly individuals may be more suitable for seniors.
Financial identity theft is the prevalent type of identity theft. Thieves gain access to your credit card numbers, bank accounts, or Social Security numbers, using them to commit fraudulent transactions or open new accounts in your name.
This form of identity theft can lead to significant financial losses and cause long-lasting damage to your credit file. Staying vigilant and protecting your personal information is crucial in reducing the risk of falling victim to this prevalent and damaging crime.
Written by:
Andy Chang
•
Founder of TheCreditReview
Edited by:
Andy Chang
•
Founder of TheCreditReview