Overview of ID Watchdog
ID Watchdog is an identity theft protection service provided by Equifax, one of the three major credit bureaus. Founded in 2005 in Denver, ID Watchdog has been offering its services to private consumers and employees through various programs. In 2017, it became part of the Equifax family, enhancing its capabilities with the resources of a major credit reporting agency.
Key Features
ID Watchdog offers two primary plans: ID Watchdog Select and ID Watchdog Premium. Both plans provide comprehensive identity theft protection, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and fully managed recovery services. The key difference between the two plans lies in the extent of their coverage and additional features.
ID Watchdog Select
- Credit report monitoring from Equifax
- Monthly credit report and VantageScore from Equifax
- Dark web monitoring
- High-risk transactions monitoring
- Public records monitoring
- USPS change of address monitoring
- Registered sex offender reporting
- Fully managed identity resolution
- Up to $1 million identity theft insurance
ID Watchdog Premium
In addition to the features offered by ID Watchdog Select, the Premium plan includes:
- Credit report monitoring from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian)
- Daily credit report updates from Equifax
- Annual credit reports from TransUnion and Experian
- Credit report lock on Equifax and TransUnion reports
- Financial accounts monitoring
- Social account monitoring and takeover alerts
- Personal VPN and safe browsing
- Password manager
Pricing and Plans
ID Watchdog offers flexible pricing options, with both monthly and annual subscriptions available. The annual plans come with a discount equivalent to approximately two free months. The pricing is as follows:
- ID Watchdog Select: $14.95 monthly or $150 annually for individuals; $23.95 monthly or $240 annually for family plans
- ID Watchdog Premium: $21.95 monthly or $220 annually for individuals; $34.95 monthly or $350 annually for family plans
Customer Service and Reviews
ID Watchdog is known for its excellent customer service, offering 24/7 support through a dedicated phone line and email. The service is available in over 100 languages, making it highly accessible. However, the mobile app has received mixed reviews, with users experiencing difficulties accessing it.
Comparison with Other Services
When compared to other identity theft protection services like Norton 360 with LifeLock and IdentityForce, ID Watchdog stands out with its comprehensive monitoring features and fully managed recovery services. While it may not offer some advanced features like court records monitoring, it provides robust protection against identity theft.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The primary benefits of ID Watchdog include its comprehensive monitoring capabilities, fully managed identity resolution services, and high level of customer support. However, the service has some drawbacks, such as the lack of court records monitoring and mixed reviews regarding its mobile app.
Conclusion
ID Watchdog is a strong contender in the identity theft protection market, offering comprehensive services and robust customer support. While it has some limitations, its benefits make it a viable option for individuals and families looking to protect their identities.
Author Information
This review was written by Jennifer Streaks, a Personal Finance Expert and Journalist, and Peter Rothbart, a credit card connoisseur and award travel guru. Both authors have extensive experience in personal finance and credit-related topics.
