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Best Identity Theft Protection Services & Companies

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This was the reality for Jessica, who was a victim of identity theft when her wallet (and identity) was stolen at a San Francisco bar in 2018.

But identity theft isn’t limited to our physical possessions. Our increasing reliance on digital transactions increases the threat posed by the digital world. For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recorded nearly 700,000 reports of credit card fraud.

Fortunately, affordable identity theft protection services are a convenient way to monitor the online activity that is being conducted in your name. Below is a selection of the 10 most reliable identity theft protection services that will help you protect your finances and assets from fraudsters.

Our Top 10 Best ID Theft Protection Services & Companies in 2023:

The table below provides a quick comparison of the best identity theft protection services on the market today. You can compare the cost of each service, view user ratings and reviews, and review the key features of each to decide which one best suits your needs.

In-Depth Reviews of Our Top ID Theft Protection Picks

Aura

The suite also includes a password manager that makes it easy to create and maintain multiple strong passwords. In addition, Aura’s VPN uses high-quality encryption to protect your online activity, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. It also offers AI-powered antivirus and safe browsing tools that act as a digital fortress against unwanted and fraudulent websites.

Aura monitors all three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends to identify identity theft. The CFPB also recommends being alert to credit check requests from unknown companies and suspicious accounts, which Aura can monitor for you.

Why we chose Aura: In the event of a data breach, Aura intervenes immediately by providing security alerts, comprehensive fraud prevention services, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance per person. The platform’s sleek and intuitive interface also includes a “Protection Summary,” which conveniently displays active identity theft activities in a central dashboard.

Our experience: We were impressed with Aura’s 24/7 customer service. We appreciated that the U.S.-based fraud prevention team was always ready to help us personally in case of fraud. In the event of a breach, the team will work with us directly to develop a recovery plan and resolve the issue.

Pros

Cons

LifeLock

LifeLock, Norton’s powerful antivirus software, offers the technology, affordability, and ease of use you’d expect from an industry leader. What’s even more impressive is its plans, which not only combine online security with identity theft protection, but also offer greater flexibility.

LifeLock plans include identity and social security number alerts and are offered with the Norton 360 package. This means that the bundled plans offer VPN services in addition to powerful identity theft features, such as stolen funds recovery from $25,000 to $1 million, bank and credit card activity alerts, and even 401(k) investment alerts with the Ultimate Plus plan.

LifeLock also offers LifeLock Junior, an affordable add-on for those under 18 that includes:

Dark web monitoring and file sharing network searches. All plans include 24/7 live technical support for members and assistance from U.S.-based personal data recovery specialists.

Pros

Cons

Identity Guard

Identity Guard has protected over 45 million identities and solved over 140,000 cases to date. They partner with IBM Watson AI technology, using its advanced data analytics and predictive capabilities to improve threat detection.

The service protects your online identity by monitoring the dark web (a known hotbed of cybercrime) and alerts you if criminals are selling your personal information. Identity Guard also constantly monitors your personal and financial information, and its US-based support team is always ready to help with any issues that arise.

Why we chose Identity Guard: With 20 years of industry experience, Identity Guard stands out for offering effective, AI-powered identity theft protection and monitoring services. These services immediately notify you of a wide range of potential threats. They also offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage per adult to cover legal fees and lost funds.

Our experience: We found that even the most affordable Identity Guard plan offers the highest level of protection against identity fraud. We were particularly impressed by the inclusion of dark web monitoring in this basic subscription package.

Pros

Cons

Zander Identity Theft

Zander Insurance’s identity theft service diligently scans the dark web to prevent criminals from selling personal information like your Social Security number and driver’s license number. The company offers plans for both individuals and families. It’s worth noting that its family plans cover two adults and up to 10 children at no extra charge.

Its top-of-the-line package, the Elite Cyber ​​​​Bundle, includes online security features like a VPN and antivirus protection. This service also protects against all types of identity theft, including financial fraud, medical fraud, and child identity theft. It has also been endorsed by radio host and financial expert Dave Ramsey.

The unique appeal of Zander Insurance is its focus on premium recovery service. They provide a dedicated US-based recovery team and up to $1 million per person in insurance coverage. However, to keep prices low, they do not offer credit monitoring or financial transactions, which they believe people can manage independently through banks and credit agencies.

Why we chose Zander Insurance: Their focus on high-quality identity recovery services, such as comprehensive recovery, makes them an excellent choice for those at high risk of identity theft. This includes past victims of identity theft, people who frequently transact online, and those with multiple social media accounts.

Our Experience: We were impressed with Zander Insurance’s commitment to personalized identity recovery and premium identity theft insurance, particularly given their long-standing reputation as trusted insurance providers. We also appreciate that Zander provides access to a trained team of specialists ready to address any identity breach promptly.

Pros

Cons:

Norton

LifeLock is powered by Norton, a recognized leader in online security. While it’s not required to use other Norton products, its products integrate seamlessly with each other. This service quickly detects potential threats and notifies you via phone, SMS, or email. It also ensures that an identity recovery specialist is always available to resolve the issue.

LifeLock offers three subscription plans with different levels. The Standard plan offers $1,050,000 in coverage, identity alerts, dark web monitoring, and single-bureau credit monitoring. On the other hand, premium plans offer up to $3 million in coverage, crime alerts, and phone bill foreclosure protection.

While LifeLock only includes three-bureau credit monitoring in its most comprehensive annual plan, daily updates are available for single-bureau monitoring. It’s also a great addition for current Norton users, as some online security features, such as VPNs, are included with Norton’s antivirus product, not LifeLock’s.

Why we chose LifeLock: At its core, Norton offers solid identity theft protection. Its design is intuitive and easy to navigate. Notably, even the most basic subscription level includes 24/7 real-time technical support, ensuring consistent and reliable help when you need it.

Our experience: We were impressed with LifeLock’s comprehensive insurance options, always-available customer support, and affordable pricing structures. However, we found room for improvement. Credit monitoring from all three bureaus should be standard on all subscription plans for comprehensive credit monitoring.

Pros

myFICO

myFICO, the consumer division of the company responsible for the FICO credit score, offers a solid identity theft protection plan with comprehensive credit report monitoring, especially for those looking to improve their credit history.

The platform offers significant value with comprehensive monitoring from all three bureaus and 24/7 identity restoration services. It also includes $1 million in identity theft insurance. However, while the “Advanced” plan offers quarterly updates, the “Basic” plan offers monthly updates. Get notified of any inquiries to your credit reports that may indicate fraudulent use of your personal information. Unfortunately, myFICO does not offer a free trial or family plans. While you can cancel at any time, refunds are not available.

Why we chose myFICO: myFICO stands out from the competition by prioritizing comprehensive credit monitoring from all three bureaus, regardless of the subscription plan you choose. Its credit inquiry alert system also serves as a unique fraud warning feature.

Our experience: We were impressed with myFICO’s dual focus on credit monitoring and identity theft protection, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to improve their credit score while staying safe online. We especially liked the FICO Score Simulator, which allows users to visualize how different financial decisions could affect their credit score.

Pros

IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ offers comprehensive protection against identity theft and fraud through its easy-to-use mobile apps. Provides peace of mind with a variety of monitoring options to ensure your protected information is protected from misuse. and different needs and budgets, and even the basic offer. Sharing of personal information with third parties for advertising purposes.

Key features include dark web monitoring and family coverage in higher-tier packages. IdentityIQ monitors credit reports from up to three bureaus, Internet and dark web activity, and address changes with credit reporting agencies. It also offers optional Bitdefender Premium VPN and Total Security antivirus for additional protection.

Prices vary across four tiers. Secure, Secure Plus, Secure Pro and Secure Max, and range from basic to advanced features. All plans offer substantial coverage, with the top tier providing additional benefits such as identity restoration with limited power of attorney and family coverage for members under 24 years of age. Monthly and annual billing options are available, offering up to 35% savings. However, there is no free trial option.

Why we chose IdentityIQ: Among the programs, one of the best offers $1 million in identity theft insurance for comprehensive coverage and user peace of mind.

Our experience. We appreciate the comprehensive customer support offered by IdentityIQ. to ensure the resolution of cases.

Pros

Cons

IdentityTheft.com

IdentityTheft.com has partnered with ScoreSense to offer an effective solution to identity theft. The platform performs daily scans to detect irregular activity on your credit reports and other potential signs of identity theft, alerting you immediately to any such incidents. You also have the option to request full credit reports from all three agencies to check for errors, unauthorized changes, or suspicious activity.

Additionally, IdentityTheft.com extends its monitoring services to other personal accounts, such as driver’s licenses or credit cards. It thoroughly scans the dark web to ensure that your personal information is not being sold to cybercriminals. To further enhance your protection, the service offers $1 million in insurance coverage to cover any financial losses resulting from identity theft.

However, if you want protection against a wide range of identity theft scams, you’ll need to manually set up additional account monitoring. This platform also doesn’t offer a comprehensive identity solution in the event of a data breach. Instead, it walks you through the necessary steps, from closing unauthorized accounts to filing police and FTC reports.

Why we chose IdentityTheft.com: If you want to keep a close eye on your credit reports, IdentityTheft.com is a great choice. The service offers personalized advice from credit professionals and a dedicated dispute center. It also provides monthly updates from all three credit bureaus and actively monitors any unusual activity daily.

Our experience: We were positively impressed with IdentityTheft.com’s credit monitoring for all three bureaus. If you want to be proactive about protecting your online identity, this all-in-one service should be enough.

Pros

In addition, MyCleanID constantly monitors your credit report for changes, new accounts opened, and suspicious activity related to your social security number or physical address. The service even includes protection against loss of your wallet with up to $2,000 in emergency cash and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.

MyCleanID is unique in that it protects both your local device and your personal information in the cloud. You simply download the diagnostic software to your computer. While it detects issues for free, its solution requires a $19.99 annual subscription. Additionally, it doesn’t offer multiple subscription tiers with different levels of functionality.

Why we chose MyCleanID: MyCleanID uses a diagnostic program that scans your device for security risks, offering an extra layer of protection for your identity. This identity theft prevention program also provides constant monitoring and alerting systems. Ultimately, these can be invaluable in keeping your information out of the hands of identity thieves.

Our experience: We didn’t find a similar diagnostic program on any other competitor’s site. This tool impressed us because it gave us a unique insight into how locally stored information can expose us to identity theft. However, at $19.99 per year, in addition to the monthly subscription fee, we would have preferred to see more customizable subscription tiers.

Pros

We reviewed their service scalability, cost, monitoring techniques, recovery process, and customer service reliability. We also looked at whether they offered additional online security tools, such as VPN access and antivirus protection, in addition to their core identity security measures. Our evaluation criteria were:

Identity theft protection services are designed to protect your personal information from fraudulent use, such as opening new credit card accounts or applying for loans in your name. Typically, most identity theft services include identity and credit monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real time, such as unauthorized purchases.

Many also include insurance to reduce costs in the event of a data breach and offer resources to resolve theft issues and facilitate identity recovery.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Most identity theft occurs online when proper cybersecurity measures are not in place. Weak passwords can be easily guessed or cracked when using outdated antivirus software, leaving your data vulnerable to the latest malware.

For example, a common trick is a phishing scam, which lures you into sharing your information with fake websites. In these scams, you unknowingly share your passwords and personal information while the criminals remain anonymous. However, up-to-date antivirus software can identify suspicious or dangerous websites.

Some hackers can also infiltrate your device directly through viruses or remote desktop software, while others do so through malicious methods such as keystroke logging. Criminals can also steal your personal information through data leaks from companies or other organizations that have your data.

For example, an alleged leak on a hacking forum exposed the emails of more than 200 million users of Twitter, the dark web, or other criminal forums.

If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen, take action immediately. The potential damage is much greater than the loss of data and can have serious consequences.

Why’s Identity Theft Protection Important to Have?

Identity theft protection is important because it quickly detects suspicious activity, allowing you to take preventive measures. These mitigating measures can include disputing a fraudulent account or freezing your credit. Every second counts. The longer a criminal has access to your personal information, the more damage they can do.

Most identity theft protection services do the heavy lifting, closing unauthorized accounts and contacting your bank and credit bureaus to report fraud. They also offer online security tools like VPNs and antivirus software to thwart hackers and prevent identity theft in the first place.

Additionally, many of these services include insurance coverage in the event of a data breach, giving you peace of mind that you will recover from any financial losses.

Do I Need an Identity Theft Protection Service?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences. Would you be willing to pay a small fee for coverage if you are a victim of identity theft?

Reliable identity theft prevention services offer valuable protection against financial and personal data-related losses caused by criminals and malicious actors.

High-risk individuals, in particular, can greatly benefit from these advanced identity theft protections. This includes former victims, as their stolen information may be traded or sold to malicious actors who may re-victimize them, and those who frequently engage in confidential online transactions.

However, it is important to understand that identity theft protection services do not completely prevent identity theft. Given this, it is becoming increasingly clear that you need to be smart and proactive in protecting your personal information.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Subscribing to an identity theft protection service does not prevent your personal information from being stolen. Instead, it allows you to take immediate action if fraud is detected. These services monitor a variety of sources, such as your credit files, social media accounts, and the dark web, for any signs of criminal activity.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent identity theft. These include:

Yes, identity theft prevention tools are essential for effective protection. As we become more and more dependent on our phones and computers, the threat of digital identity theft continues to grow. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft in the past, you’re especially vulnerable. And your risk increases every time you make a secret transaction online.

If you want to add an extra layer of security to your life and reduce your risk of identity theft, consider investing a few dollars a month in an identity theft protection service.

What Types of Identity Theft Protection Services Are Out There?

Identity theft protection services offer a variety of features and varying degrees of protection. Some, such as credit report monitoring, provide basic protection but don’t guarantee comprehensive coverage. Others are more comprehensive, but also tend to be more expensive.

Below is a summary of these services, giving you an idea of ​​their specific offerings and benefits.

Americans should protect their tax records, keep their Social Security cards in safe places, and use reliable security software and strong passwords when submitting sensitive personal information online.

Medical ID Protection

Although less common, medical identity theft is just as serious a threat. It involves the misuse of your personal information to obtain medical services or medications. The dark web can exchange this information for use by strangers, and even medical providers can use it to submit inflated or fraudulent claims to insurers.

For this reason, protecting your online data may not be enough. Experts recommend reviewing your health insurance records annually to detect potential discrepancies.

Common Types of Identity Theft Scams

Criminals use a variety of scam methods with the sole purpose of stealing your identity or personal information. However, not all identity theft cases involve modern technology, as phone scams and physical identity theft are still common. In fact, Americans lost a staggering $39.5 billion last year to phone scams alone.

Below are some common identity theft scams to be aware of:

Phishing: Phishing scams involve criminals posing as legitimate businesses or organizations. These scams usually come in email or text messages that appear to come from trusted organizations, such as banks. They often ask for immediate action, such as updating personal or payment information, but once entered, this information is quickly stolen.

Even with the most advanced cybersecurity measures, we are all vulnerable to identity theft. Hackers use a variety of methods to gain access to devices or corporate databases, allowing them to steal large amounts of personal information. Form theft: Criminals can attack online retailers or other unprotected service providers by embedding malicious code designed to steal your payment information. This technique typically involves manipulating a form so that, when filled out, the code sends a copy of your information to the attacker.
Physical theft: Physical identity theft continues to pose a serious threat. According to reports, more than 50% of identity theft cases between 2006 and 2016 were attributed to non-digital vulnerabilities. This form of fraud can occur through a variety of means, including obvious theft from a wallet, purse, or mail.

Other Kinds of Identity Theft

In addition to the common types of identity theft listed above, there are some less common types you should be aware of.

Tax-Related Identity Theft. Criminals can use stolen information, such as Social Security numbers, to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. While efforts are being made to mitigate this risk, it is still important to protect your Social Security cards and tax records.
Medical Identity Theft. Although relatively rare, medical identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to obtain medical services or file fraudulent insurance claims.
Child Identity Theft. Scammers can steal children’s identities to open unauthorized bank accounts, apply for loans, and engage in other fraudulent activities.

Synthetic Identity Theft. This form of identity theft involves combining real (often stolen) information with fake data to create a completely fictitious identity.

What Are Some Common Signs of Identity Theft?

Here are some common indicators of identity theft to look out for.

  1. Financial discrepancies: One of the first warning signs of identity theft is unusual or unauthorized transactions on your credit card or bank records.
  2. your mail and access your sensitive information, such as bank statements, credit card information, or other personal information.
  3. Debt collectors contact you. If someone has used your identity to obtain loans and credit cards, but you haven’t made your payments, debt collectors can pursue you for debts you didn’t know you had.
  4. Your medical records show discrepancies. Some criminals may use your personal information to obtain medical care. If your benefits don’t match or you receive an unexpected medical bill, it could mean that someone is using your information to get free medical care.
  5. Your information is exposed in a data breach. Data breaches are surprisingly common. In fact, these breaches exposed more than six million data records worldwide in the first quarter of 2023. These data breaches often lead to personal information being sold on the dark web, which can put you at risk of identity theft.

    How Can I Find Out If Someone Is Using My Identity?

One of the most effective ways to detect online identity theft is to regularly review your bank and credit card statements. Financial institutions often offer access to your statements through online platforms or mobile apps so you can easily review your recent deposits, withdrawals, charges, and payments.

If you notice anything that you didn’t authorize, consider it a clear red flag that identity theft is a possibility. It’s also important to regularly check your credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can access your credit reports for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

How to Report Identity Theft

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, it’s important to report the incident to the FTC. You can do this easily by phone or through their online platform—just make sure you provide as much information as possible.

Also contact your bank, your credit card provider, and any other relevant organizations that have been affected by fraud in your name. It is also a good idea to notify one or more of the following:

How to Choose the Right Identity Theft Protection Service

While all of the identity theft protection services listed here are great options, it is important to find one that fits your needs. Start by considering your budget to eliminate expensive options right away.

Next, assess your needs. Do you prefer credit monitoring or comprehensive identity monitoring? What level of insurance coverage do you need? Is professional help available if you are the victim of identity theft?

After considering these questions, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision. Remember, many providers offer free trials that allow you to try out their services without any financial commitment.

Identity Theft Is on the Rise

Recent reports indicate a growing concern about identity theft. Credit card fraud, loan fraud, and benefits fraud are alarmingly common. In fact, according to the FTC, identity theft cases in the U.S. will increase from more than 650,000 to 1.1 million between 2019 and 2022.

This trend is largely due to the increasing digitization of our lives, which has led to numerous data breaches. These breaches have exposed the personal information of countless people, allowing criminals and identity thieves to exploit them.

Other Identity Theft Protection Services We Reviewed

In addition to the identity theft protection services mentioned above, we have also researched and compiled a list of other brands that you may be interested in. Check out this list of identity theft protection services to learn about the different pricing options, report types, and features offered.

Experian – Ideal for monitoring the dark web

Personal Data Protection – Ideal for basic and affordable protection against theft

ReliaShield – Ideal for family plans and free insurance for children

GOFreeCredit – Best in credit monitoring and three-bureau credit reports

Avira – Best online security tools for Mac users

Credit Karma – Ideal for free credit report monitoring

Autofunding – Ideal for building a credit history

Stop Identity Thieves in Their Tracks

Investing in an online identity protection service is an extremely effective way to prevent identity theft online. However, it’s important to understand that no personal information is completely safe in the digital age. That’s why identity resolution services and identity theft insurance provide greater peace of mind for those looking for additional protection.

Choose the most powerful identity theft tool that fits your budget to stay safe online. Even a basic or free credit monitoring service can go a long way in preventing identity thieves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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