While identity theft might not be completely preventable, there are ways to protect yourself: An identity theft protection service can spot fraud early and help restore your identity if it's been compromised.
These services do the heavy lifting — checking if your personal information is being used to open new accounts or appears on the dark web. And if you are the victim of fraud, they can offset expenses related to restoring your identity.
Read more: The best identity theft protection services
What is identity theft protection?
Identity theft protection services monitor databases for signs of your personally identifiable information (PII), such as your Social Security, driver’s license and bank account numbers.
You’ll receive an alert if your PII appears in a variety of places, including:
- Dark web
- Social media
- USPS address change requests
- Court or arrest records
- Orders for new utility or phone service
- Payday loan applications
- Check cashing requests
Identity theft protection services like Aura, IdentityForce®, PrivacyGuard™ and Experian IdentityWorks℠ also include credit monitoring features. This can include changes to your credit report, such as an increase in a credit card balance or a new account opened in your name.
Aura
Cost
Individual plan: $9/month billed annually or $12/month billed monthly; Couple plan: $17/month billed annually or $20/month billed monthly; Family plan: $25/month billed annually or $30/month billed monthly
Standout features
Protects against financial fraud, identity theft, spam calls, online theft, phishing and scam websites, viruses and malware, as well as offering security tailored to kids and financial alerts like credit score monitoring
Availability
Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android)
Terms apply.
IdentityForce®
Cost
UltraSecure Individual: $19.90 per month or $199.90 per year; UltraSecure+Credit Individual: $34.90 per month or $349.90 per year; UltraSecure Family: $24.90 per month or $249.90 per year; UltraSecure+Credit Family: $39.90 per month or $399.90 per year
Credit bureaus monitored
3-bureau credit monitoring, alerts and reports: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion®, with UltraSecure+Credit Individual and UltraSecure+Credit Family plans only
Credit scoring model used
VantageScore® 3.0, with UltraSecure+Credit Individual and UltraSecure+Credit Family plans only
Dark web scan
Yes, with all plans
Identity theft insurance
Yes, at least $1 million with all plans
Terms apply.
PrivacyGuard®
Cost
$9.99 to $24.99 per month
Credit bureaus monitored
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
Credit scoring model used
VantageScore
Dark web scan
Yes, for Identity and Total Protection plans
Identity insurance
Yes, up to $1 million for Identity and Total Protection plans
Terms apply.
Experian IdentityWorks℠
Cost
Basic: Free; Premium: 7-day trial, after $24.99 per month; Family: 7-day trial, after $34.99 per month
Credit bureaus monitored
1-bureau credit monitoring, alerts and reports: Experian, with Basic plan only and 3-bureau credit monitoring, alerts and reports: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion®, with Premium and Family plans only
Credit scoring model used
FICO® Score 8, with all plans
Dark web scan
Yes, with all plans
Identity theft insurance
Yes, up to $1 million with all plans
Terms apply.
*Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.
If your information is compromised, identity theft protection services can help you resolve the issue. The best services include identity theft insurance, which can offer up to $1 million for expenses associated with restoring your identity, including legal fees and lost wages.
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Read more
To learn more about IdentityForce®, visit its website.
