Identity theft remains a persistent threat, often preying on the vulnerabilities of individuals. Reducing the risk of identity theft is crucial and can be achieved through several measures, such as using strong passwords, securely disposing of sensitive documents, and subscribing to identity theft protection services.
Business Insider’s comparison of identity theft protection services, including Aura, revealed it as a high-value offering with competitive pricing.
Aura: Comprehensive Identity Protection
Aura presents a compelling option in the realm of identity theft protection. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Pros:
- Credit Monitoring: Oversees credit reports from the three major credit bureaus.
- Real-Time Alerts: Provides timely notifications regarding credit changes, bank activity, data breaches, and potential identity threats.
- Family Plans: Offers discounted plans that cater to families, encompassing up to five adults and an unlimited number of children.
Cons:
- Cost: Individuals operating on tight budgets may find the service cost prohibitive.
- Functionality: Certain features, such as Safe Gaming, are restricted to specific devices.
- Social Media Monitoring: The service lacks social media monitoring capabilities.
Insider’s Rating: 4.6/5
*Perks: 60-day money back guarantee is only available for annual plans purchased through Aura’s websites or via Customer Support team.
*Fees: $15 monthly or $144 annually
Product Details
- 24/7 customer support is included with all plans.
- Every adult included in the plan receives a $1,000,000 insurance policy to cover eligible losses and fees from identity theft.
- 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans.
How Aura Compares to the Competition
Aura vs. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select
Insider’s Rating: 4.9/5
Fees: $17.99 monthly or $179.99 annually
Notable Features of Norton 360:
- Refund on service if Norton can’t remove virus from the device
- Cybersecurity features
- Identity theft recovery assistance Cons: Only monitors one credit bureau
Aura vs. IdentityForce UltraSecure+Credit
*Insider’s Rating: 3/5
Fees: $29.95 monthly or $299.50 annually
Notable Features of IdentityForce:
- Cybersecurity protects credit
- Credit monitoring
- Social media monitoring
- Credit scoring simulator Cons: Credit reports are provided quarterly, and it is relatively expensive
Aura Overview: Features and Pricing
Aura distinguishes itself with its comprehensive identity protection services, offered at a competitive price point. The service’s standout feature is its “White Glove” fraud resolution, assisting customers in creating plans to mitigate damage and recover losses after an identity theft incident.
How Aura Works
Unlike some competitors, Aura simplifies its offerings by providing a single protection plan. Additional family members include parental controls, a feature that is not available in individual or couple plans.
Aura Plans
Key Features of Aura
- White Glove Fraud Resolution: Provides personalized assistance from a case manager to help with identity theft recovery.
- Credit Monitoring and Reports: Monitors credit reports from all three bureaus. Aura also provides annual credit reports and monthly Equifax credit scores.
- Dark Web and Criminal Activity Monitoring: Scans the dark web and public records for your personal information to identify criminal activity.
- Cybersecurity Features: Includes antivirus software, a VPN, and a password manager.
- Parental Controls: Offers parental controls exclusive to the family plan, including screen time limits, internet usage tracking, and content filtering.
The cost varies based on the number of people included in the plan.
Aura offers robust identity protection, making it a strong contender in the market, and often one of the most affordable options. While lack of social media monitoring and potentially higher costs are concerns, the White Glove fraud resolution service and comprehensive coverage make it a worthwhile service.
Jennifer Streaks is a Senior Personal Finance Reporter and Spokesperson for Business Insider.
