Identity theft protection companies keep an eye out for you by monitoring your personal information and alerting you if they spot something suspicious. They provide resources for recovering lost money and repairing your credit if you’re a victim of fraud or identity theft. Beyond those basics, each credit repair company offers extra services to address your individual security concerns.
If you are looking for protection, check out these companies that can help protect you from identity theft.
LifeLock
LifeLock offers identity protection with Norton Security, a producer of anti-virus and anti-malware software that protects you from online threats.
Depending on the level of membership you choose, LifeLock monitors your credit activity at one to three credit bureaus and alerts you to suspicious use of your personal info, like if your personal data appears on the dark web or in an arrest record. They’ll reimburse you for stolen funds and legal fees ranging from $24,000 to $1 million.
Cost
- LifeLock Standard: $9.99 per month for the first year, $14.99 per month after
- LifeLock Advantage: $19.99 per month for the first year, $24.99 per month after
- LifeLock Ultimate Plus: $29.99 per month for the first year, $34.99 per month after
Pros
- Offers up to 15 different identity theft services
- Partnered with Norton Security
Cons
- The price can get expensive at the top tiers
- Limited family coverage options
Experian IdentityWorks
Identity protection from Experian provides identity theft insurance ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. They use U.S.-based fraud-resolution reps who can help you file police reports and otherwise assist you if you’re a victim of identity theft. As one of the three main credit bureaus, Experian’s lost wallet service takes the stress out of canceling and replacing your credit cards if they’re lost or stolen.
Cost
Experian offers two ID protection plans with free 30-day trials for new users of the service. After the first free month, the pricing is as follows:
- IdentityWorks Plus: $9.99 per month
- IdentityWorks Premium: $19.99 per month
If you choose annual billing instead of monthly, you’ll get a 17 percent discount.
Pros
- Membership includes identity theft protection for children
- Monitors noncredit loan alerts, court records, and items that other services do not
Cons
- Does not give free access to your credit report
- Does not have advanced services like limited power of attorney
IdentityForce
IdentityForce has been providing personal information security for more than 40 years. In addition to standard credit and ID monitoring services, they help streamline the process of opting out of junk mail, so thieves can’t get your personal info from your mailbox or trash. Among their many offerings, they provide anti-phishing and anti-keylogging protection for personal computers.
Both of their plans include identity theft insurance of $1 million, but only their UltraSecure+Credit plan provides credit bureau monitoring. Social media monitoring is also included in both plans.
Cost
- UltraSecure: $14.95 per month or $149.50 if paid annually
- UltraSecure + Credit: $19.95 per month or $199.50 if paid annually
IdentityForce provides a 14-day free trial for their UltraSecure plan.
Pros
- Proven track record of more than 40 years
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Cons
- Doesn’t offer retirement account monitoring
- With only offers two plans, there’s a large gap between what is covered
IDShield
IDShield is a subsidiary of LegalShield, which has been connecting people with affordable legal services for more than 40 years. In business since 2003, IDShield is focused on providing members with continual updates and fast notifications of suspicious activity through their mobile app.
Their identity-theft division has full-time licensed private investigators on staff to step in on your behalf if your identity gets stolen. They’ll provide personalized support and contact everyone involved, including government agencies. A monthly credit report and around-the-clock live customer service are included with your IDShield membership.
Cost
- Individual Plan: $12.95 per month for one-credit-bureau monitoring; $15.95 per month for three-credit-bureau monitoring
- Family Plan: $25.95 per month for one-credit-bureau monitoring; $29.95 per month for three-credit-bureau monitoring
Pros
- Offers unlimited free consultations
- $1 million insurance policy with all plans
Cons
- No free trials
- Must cancel membership in writing
ID Watchdog
ID Watchdog launched its platform in 2007 and was bought by credit bureau Equifax in 2017. They claim to scour billions of data points to monitor and secure your personal and financial information. ID Watchdog provides “ID rehab” for victims of identity theft using Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialists and their call center is available 24/7 with language support in more than 100 languages.
Their two plans are identical to each other except the Platinum plan provides credit scores and credit reports.
Cost
- ID Watchdog Plus: $14.95 per month
- ID Watchdog Platinum: $19.95 per month
You can get a discount on the monthly cost if you pay your membership on an annual basis.
Pros
- You can enroll a minor child with the ID Watchdog Plus service
- Notifies you if a subprime loan has been opened in your name
Cons
- Doesn’t offer junk mail removal services
- Up to $1 million identify theft insurance is underwritten by a subsidiary
Conclusion
Identity theft protection can take away your worries about data breaches and identity theft. These companies keep a close watch for any suspicious use of your personal information and take swift action for recovery if something goes wrong.
Each of these five services has something unique to offer. Ultimately, the right one for you depends on your individual security concerns.