Overview
The most common type of fraud in the US is identity theft, with credit card theft being the most popular form of identity theft. This means that you should be extra careful when shopping online especially during these times. A reason you have to sign up with one of the best identity theft services.
These ID protection companies can help you monitor any online activity done in your name, and by so doing, they will catch the criminal before they can do any harm. These are my top ID theft protection companies.
1. Identity Guard
The most important feature of Identity Guard is its IBM Watson technology. This modern technology always scans lots of data points on the internet to locate any fraudulent activity, making it possible for them to protect their customers.
It also has other features, such as Dark Web monitoring, managing risk management, and anti-phishing apps plus more. For instance, it also has an advanced package that involves credit reports and a social insight report.
Finally, it has a family plan that includes cyberbullying alerts on social media. This is why I added it to the list of the best identity theft services.
Pros
- Monitors your credit score with all 3 credit bureaus
- It utilizes IBM’s Watson AI tech for optimal performance
- Provides a $2,000 emergency cash fund
Cons
- It has no 24/7 customer service
- Provides only 3-credit reporting only with premier plans
2. LifeLock
This service is a product of Norton. It has plans that blend online security and ID theft protection but it is still flexible.
LifeLock has planned such as ID and Social Security number notifications which work alongside the Norton 360 suite.
It also has LifeLock Junior, an extension for children under 18 which has Dark Web monitoring and search file-sharing networks. All its plans have 24/7 customer support.
Pros
- It provides reimbursement up to $1 million
- Provides antivirus and protection from cyber threats
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- It’s only worth it if you want Norton 360
- Its pricing can be confusing
3. Zander Identity Theft
This company is strongly recommended by industry experts as it is a reliable and affordable identity theft company for people who have a tight budget but still want to stay secure.
It’s also one of the best identity theft services available. Although it doesn’t offer credit monitoring, it monitors personal information and has the most diverse set of identity recovery services in the industry.
Its uniqueness comes from the fact should your identity be stolen, you will be connected to an expert who will take you through the process of recovering your identity.
It will also alert the authorities about the theft and will monitor your account for fraudulent activities till your account is fully recovered.
Pros
- It provides an unlimited family plan
- One of the most affordable options
- It offers a comprehensive list of recovery services, including lost wage coverage
Cons
- It doesn’t provide credit monitoring services
- Has no free trial period
4. Norton
With LifeLock from Norton, you can be rest assured that your identity will be recovered and monitored continuously to prevent unauthorized access to your credit cards, devices and apps.
You can install the software on as many as 5 devices so you can get full protection on all your devices. For an extra monthly fee, you can also add your family members to your plan.
If this app notices any suspicious activity, you’ll be alerted immediately. Therefore, in addition to its real-time protection and alerts, Norton also protects you with up to $1 million insurance coverage. Thus, making Norton one of the best identity theft services in the industry.
Pros
- It includes the Norton antivirus software
- Offer a 3-bureau credit monitoring
- Has a user-friendly mobile app
Cons
- Does not have a family plan
- It’s more expensive compared to other services
5. TransUnion
TransUnion is one of the 3 main credit report bureaus that provide credit reporting and ID theft services. It is therefore equipped to offer its own ID theft services.
There are many things to applaud about TransUnion’s ID theft services, plus a few cons, but if your main concern is trustworthiness and reliability, TransUnion has made a solid name for itself.
For example, TransUnion’s ID theft service is automatic with absolutely no downloads or actions from you. When you sign up, you’ll get your TransUnion credit report, and from there, you’ll be notified the second any fraudulent activity is noticed.
If you prefer active participation in the process, you can lock your report anytime and see your report daily on their smart mobile app. On the flipside, TransUnion has only the essential tools, unlike other services, and doesn’t include many other tools, and it requires extra credit reports from the other 2 major credit bureaus.
Pros
- Provides real-time monitoring and alerts
- Has an easy-to-use mobile app
- It also provides an online score simulator
Cons
- It demands an extra cost for all 3 credit bureaus
- It does not provide live chat services
6. IdentityTheft.com
This company is a cloud-hosted ID protection service. It offers real-time monitoring of your credit card. IdentityTheft.com gives you cheaper credit monitoring to protect yourself from ID theft.
Just sign up on their website, add the account you want to be watched, including your essential details like social security, credit, medical, or driver’s license. If any of your accounts have any suspicious activity, you’ll be notified immediately.
This is the reason why most people see it as one of the best identity theft services available.
IdentityTheft.com will give you a $1 million identity theft insurance and will notify you of any suspicious activity on your accounts till you can secure your accounts.
Pros
- You have the ability to add numerous accounts to be monitored
- It provides continuous monitoring
- You’ll receive instant alerts of suspicious activity
Cons
- It has no pricing information available
- Does not provide a 24/7 customer support
7. IdentityForce
It has over four decades of experience in the business of identity theft and it’s widely known for the variety of services it offers.
IdentityForce would monitor court records, sex offenders, and the Dark Web and would notify you in five different areas. It also offers a $1 million insurance, and it has apps dedicated to detecting identity theft.
Pros
- Has more than 40 years of experience
- It also provides medical ID fraud protection
- Has a 50-point member manifesto for customers
Cons
- You have to contact their contact support for family plan info
- It is pricier than other services
8. MyCleanID
It also offers round-the-clock protection services on your credit card, and also has a $1 million insurance coverage. Signing up on its website is simple and you’ll get access to your credit and FICO scores on your dashboard.
MyCleanID also offers telephone and driver’s license protection as well as personal computer protection using their privacy management software. This software helps you to scan your computer and pinpoints areas where sensitive information can leak.
Pros
- It provides up to $2,000 lost wallet protection
- Has a unique PC protection software fosters proactive online safety
- 24/7 US-based support
Cons
- You need to pay 1-time activation fee
- It has only 1 plan available
9. MyFICO
This company offers a comprehensive outlook on your credit standing including a number of alerts, tools, and services which will always make you be protected all the time.
Due to the fact that it is the standard-bearer of credit scores used by the 3 major credit bureaus, it offers its own consumer-intended ID theft service with a strong ID theft protection that provides both regular reporting and extensive monitoring.
This company has 3 packages with monthly or tri-monthly alerts. Each of their packages is supported by $1 million theft insurance plus a 24/7 ID restoration, lost wallet protection, including 24/7 customer support.
The basic plan only offers reports from Experian, and the 2 top-tier plans include coverage from all 3 bureaus plus identity monitoring.
Pros
- You’ll receive monthly and tri-monthly reports
- They have a 24/7 customer support
- You can receive alerts via SMS, email, or mobile app
Cons
- The basic plan only includes 1-bureau coverage
- There are minor limitations on some credit report data
10. Panda Security
Panda Security is a popular name in the business of internet security. It uses VPNs and antivirus software to check ID theft.
Unlike other companies, once you sign up on its website, it will start monitoring your ID. You’ll get notifications immediately if any of your details are used online. It also monitors your bank and credit card activity to know if there are any unauthorized withdrawals or transfers.
Panda Security has excellent customer service with different channels of communication. Its customers can get 24/7 customer support as well as online chat and email service.
Pros
- The monitoring of your credit begins immediately after signing up
- You’ll receive customized alerts and notifications
- It has strong customer support teams
Cons
- It has only 1 plan available
- There may be conflicts with security software from other providers
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better at security between LifeLock or Identity Guard?
LifeLock and Identity Guard are both credible providers of ID theft services and different people may choose either according to their needs.
However, at the moment, Identity Guard offers a better deal, and as such is better than the much more expensive LifeLock, with a 3-bureau credit monitoring and an AI-backed network.
2. Are identity theft protection services really worth using?
Identity theft is an ever-increasing issue in the United States and ID theft protection can be one of the best protection against it.
People who have been affected by ID thieves already are at more risk, and those who do perform a lot of banking or do other important transactions online may use such services.
3. How many times has LifeLock been hacked?
It has been alleged that the account of LifeLock’s CEO has been hacked lots of times, including after a public display in which he shared his social security number in public as a proof to the strength of his company’s security software.
4. Is it wise to invest in an ID theft protection tool?
Do you want to feel safer while doing any of these: online shopping, paying bills online, sharing personal information on social media, and lots more? Then you need an ID protection investment.
Although some people see such services as convenient but not necessary, they might be much more interested when they find out that a lot of them offer free trial periods of up to 30 days, some do offer discounts on your first annual pay.
5. How do these tools work?
The top ID theft protection companies in the industry use modern technology to inspect credit card transactions, the Dark Web, various social media, and more. Their main objective is to instantly detect the moment your information is taken, put up for sale, or used fraudulently.
This is to reduce the damage of ID attacks to the barest minimum. Immediately you’re notified of an attack, they will help in restoring your identity, compensate you for the stolen funds, and provide you with professional support throughout this time.
6. How can thieves steal your identity?
Below are some of the instances of the possible means by which criminals can get your personal information. While some of them are digital, others are the more old-fashioned physical theft.
Hacking: Hacking means any form of unauthorized access to a computer terminal or a network. Occasionally, it can include large data breaches; it also involves direct hacking of your computer by someone with physical or remote access to it.
Phishing: Phishing involved scammers sending you unsolicited emails while making you an offer that you need to provide personal information and login details to get. They will now use such information gotten to break into your accounts and make away with your identity and other information.
Malware: Malware involves unsolicited messages that contain suspicious links or attachments. Should you click the link or open the attachment, malicious software would be installed on your computer and extracts your information.
Phone scams: This trick is an old one. In phone scams, the scammers would pretend to be from the government or a bank, with the aim of convincing someone to provide their personal information.
Dumpster Diving: This method involves criminals rummaging through your trash for sensitive information like bank statements.
7. What is tax-related ID theft?
Those that obtain the personal information of others through illegal means can send fraudulent tax information to the IRS.
Due to a rise in the rate of tax-related ID theft, the IRS is in partnership with various tax firms, payroll processors, and other tax administrators to combat this issue. Their efforts include various sensitization exercises and campaigns throughout the country.
8. What is medical ID theft?
Medical ID theft occurs with less frequency than others, but it is still a huge concern as it involves thieves using your personal information to pay for medical bills. And although this information can easily be acquired on the Dark Web, there have been many cases of medical theft where medical personnel submits false information to the insurance companies.
9. What is the best way to choose an ID protection service?
Just like car insurance, everyone’s insurance basic coverage might be the same, but each person also needs special packages that are different.
Anyone who uses online banking, or who stores sensitive information on your computer, has an increased risk of identity theft. However, if you do everything offline, your risks are greatly reduced.
The first thing you should consider before going for ID theft protection is your needs. The next step is to compare and review the various options available for things like price, features, and customer support.
The last thing you should do is to be very careful about giving out your personal information. Don’t click on suspicious links, don’t forget your bank statements in the trash bin, and also teach your children about identity theft. If you do these things, your risks of encountering ID theft will be smaller and you’ll be safer.
Summary
In this day and age, identity theft is a constant problem that threatens everyone. As long as you’re an internet user, then you stand a chance of your identity being stolen for one criminal activity or another.
This is why you should sign up with a credible identity theft service to monitor your online presence and identity.
Here are my recommendations: if you want a company with a sophisticated technology that scans lots of data points around the world, then you should choose Identity Guard. However, if you’re interested in a company that allows for flexibility in its plans, then LifeLock is there for you.
You should, however, review the companies available to be sure that you pick the one that best suits your needs and that of your family.