Best Identity Theft Protection Services
Hacking and identity theft are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making comprehensive identity theft protection services essential for safeguarding your financial well-being online. These services monitor your credit reports with all three major bureaus, as well as your bank and retirement accounts, providing insurance to cover necessary expenses in case of identity theft.
How Identity Theft Protection Services Work
These services monitor personal identifiable data online and on the dark web to protect against identity thieves. Top-tier services offer monitoring options that alert you if criminals commit crimes or accrue debt in your name, including monitoring of social media, credit reports, court records, and medical records.
Top Identity Theft Protection Services
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Aura: Best overall identity theft protection service, offering comprehensive features like dark web monitoring, Social Security number monitoring, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance per adult. Starts at $13/month.
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LifeLock by Norton: Offers robust identity theft monitoring features with plans starting at $12/month. Provides dark web monitoring, data breach notifications, and Social Security number alerts.
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IdentityForce: Offers a good mix of features at competitive pricing, with plans starting at $20/month. Includes dark web monitoring, Social Security number monitoring, and investment account alerts.
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Zander: Best budget identity theft protection service, starting at $7/month. Offers essential features like Social Security number monitoring, dark web monitoring, and identity theft insurance.
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Identity Guard: Best value for families, with plans starting at $15/month. Offers features like dark web monitoring, credit protection, and white glove restoration services.
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IDShield: Best identity theft recovery service, with plans starting at $15/month. Offers identity restoration tools and up to $3 million in identity theft insurance coverage.
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IdentityIQ: Best for customization, with plans starting at $7/month. Offers credit bureau monitoring, dark web surveillance, and up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement.
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Experian IdentityWorks: Best free identity theft protection, offering a free Experian credit report, monitoring, and alerts. Paid tiers include additional features like three-bureau credit monitoring.
Choosing the Right Identity Theft Protection Service
When selecting a service, consider both price and features. Most introductory plans include real-time Social Security number and dark web monitoring, with additional features like three credit bureau monitoring available in more expensive tiers.
Preventing Identity Theft
To protect yourself, consider signing up for an identity theft protection service, avoiding phishing attempts, regularly checking your financial statements, using strong passwords, and guarding your Social Security number. Freezing your credit can also prevent fraudsters from opening new accounts in your name.
