Identity theft is a growing concern in our increasingly digital world. As we conduct more of our lives online, the risk of data breaches and fraudulent activity continues to rise. While no service can guarantee complete protection, identity theft protection services offer essential tools to monitor your information, detect suspicious activity, and provide assistance in the event of a breach.
The best identity theft protection providers offer a range of services, including credit monitoring, dark web scans, and identity restoration support. These services can help you stay informed, take proactive steps to protect your data, and minimize the damage if your identity is compromised. Fortunately, protecting yourself doesn’t have to break the bank; several reputable companies offer affordable plans
This article highlights six of the top identity theft protection companies, exploring their key features and benefits to help you choose the right service for your needs.
Top Identity Theft Protection Services:
1. IDShield
IDShield offers comprehensive identity monitoring tools to detect unusual activity and alert you instantly. Key features include 24/7 monitoring of your identity, finances, and credit, as well as dark web and social media monitoring. They also provide access to licensed private investigators who can help restore your identity to its pre-theft status. IDShield is unique in offering full-service identity restoration. Their services also include monthly credit score reports from one or three credit bureaus.
2. Identity Force
Identity Force has been in the identity theft protection industry since 1978 (under its current name since 2005), offering a mix of value and comprehensive features. Even their most basic plan includes social media monitoring. Identity Force monitors public records for changes of address, court and arrest records, and payday loan applications. They also offer a unique mobile app feature called Mobile Attack Control, designed to protect users from insecure connections, spyware, and unsecure wireless networks. Identity Force offers a 14-day trial period to test their services, with competitive pricing on their plans. The UltraSecure plan, priced at $9.99 per month or $99.90 annually, is a great value. The UltraSecure+Credit plan, which includes frequent three-bureau credit monitoring and reports, is available for $23.90 per month or $290 annually.
3. Surfshark Alert
Surfshark, a cybersecurity company, enters this list with Surfshark Alert, a data leak detection system. They are known for their VPN, Antivirus, and data leak detection solutions. Surfshark Alert specializes in identity theft protection by providing real-time credit card and ID breach alerts, instant email data breach notifications, and regular personal data security reports. This product is integrated into Surfshark One, a cybersecurity bundle that includes a range of protection tools within a single interface. An additional feature lets users generate a new online identity and a proxy email with Alternative ID.
4. IdentityIQ
IdentityIQ, a US-based provider since 2009, offers various protection tiers, some including free family member coverage and $1 million in identity theft insurance on all plans. They offer four distinct plans: Secure, Secure Plus, Secure Pro, and Secure Max. The most basic “Secure” plan, priced at $6.99 per month, provides $1 million in insurance coverage, one-bureau credit reports, dark web monitoring, social security number alerts, and more. The Secure Plus plan includes three-bureau credit reports and change of address notifications for $9.99 per month. The Secure Pro plan offers more comprehensive credit report monitoring and crime notifications for $19.99 per month. The Secure Max plan offers family protection cover with $25,000 of insurance coverage, credit score tracking, and three-bureau credit reports for $29.99 monthly.
5. LifeLock (NortonLifeLock)
LifeLock, now NortonLifeLock, offers device and computer protection, which identity protection is partnered with. They currently have three identity theft protection plans, all offered in partnership with Norton360. The LifeLock Select plan, priced at $9.99 monthly (first year), offers dark web monitoring, lost wallet protection, address change verification, and credit monitoring. LifeLock Advantage, the next plan tier, priced at $19.99 monthly (first year), increases stolen funds coverage to $100,000 and provides an annual credit report. The Ultimate Plus plan adds an unlimited VPN, 500GB of cloud backup to Norton 360, provides three-bureau credit monitoring, and monitors public databases to guard against the use of your information for $25.99 per month (first year).
6. Complete ID
Complete ID offers an excellent value, with competitive pricing, particularly for those conscious of their budget. Partnered with Costco, the service’s offerings are available to Costco members. They offer two plans: The Executive Members plan, and the Business and Gold Star Members plan. The protective features you will find available are much as you would with many of the other companies. This includes the likes of dark web surveillance, SSN and other public record monitoring, credit, and payday loan monitoring, as well as annual three-bureau credit reports, and regular credit score updates. You will also have access to a US-based support and restoration team and a full $1 million in theft insurance cover. The Executive Members plan is available for just $8.99 per month, while the most comprehensive plan is $13.99 per month alongside Costco membership fees. Up to 5 children can be added from $2.99 per month.
Key Considerations When Choosing Identity Theft Protection
When selecting an identity theft protection service, it is important to keep these factors in mind:
- Speedy Detection: These services are not foolproof; they do not prevent identity theft. However, they can help you discover fraud swiftly, which can save time, money, and stress.
- Knowledge is Power: These services provide insight into how your data is being used, increasing awareness and improving your personal security.
- Plan Features: Compare the features of each plan based on your unique circumstances and lifestyle, as the range can vary from one provider to the next. The right plan is the one that best suits your needs.
Choosing the right identity theft protection service is a crucial step in protecting your financial health and personal information. By understanding the features offered by different providers and considering your individual needs, you can find a service that provides peace of mind and proactive protection against identity theft.
