10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services Reviewed & Ranked

Identity thieves continuously develop new methods to steal personal information, making identity theft more sophisticated. If successful, they can use your information for various fraudulent activities like opening credit accounts or filing tax returns.

Effective identity theft protection services can assist you in case your data is compromised. These services actively monitor your personal information, credit files, and online activities, notifying you of any suspicious or fraudulent behavior. They can liaise with credit bureaus, banks, and creditors on your behalf and aid in restoring your identity if it's compromised.

Keep reading to discover more about identity theft protection and our recommendations for the top ID theft protection services as of 2024.

>> Check Out LifeLock Norton >>

10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services

• LifeLock Norton – Best ID Theft Protection Overall
• ReliaShield – Best Identity Theft Protection for Families
• IdentityIQ – Best Social Security Number Monitoring
• Aura – Best for Multiple Devices
• ID Watchdog – Best ID Theft Resolution Service
• IdentityForce – Best for Comprehensive Protection
• Identity Guard – Best for Seniors
• Experian – Best Credit Monitoring
• IDShield – Best for Restoration
• PrivacyGuard – Best Customer Service

LifeLock Norton – Best Identity Theft Protection Service Overall

LifeLock stands out as our top choice for ID theft protection due to the comprehensive cybersecurity software included in its plans.

LifeLock, in partnership with Norton, offers Norton 360, a cybersecurity suite that provides various layers of protection against both existing and emerging cyber threats. Norton360 features antivirus and malware protection, parental controls, a password manager, a VPN for five or more devices (depending on your plan), and cloud backup for Windows computers.

While LifeLock's basic plan may offer fewer features compared to other ID theft services, its higher-tier plans include additional monitoring services not typically found in ID theft protection packages, such as social media monitoring, payday loan monitoring, and bank account takeover alerts.

Overall, LifeLock is the preferred choice for individuals seeking maximum online safety, although it's important to be aware of potential rate increases at the end of the first year.

Pros

• Includes Norton device protection, cloud storage, and VPN services in a bundle
• Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee with annual membership
• Provides 24/7 live customer service support
• Features a simple, user-friendly interface

Cons

• Credit monitoring services and reports are limited to one bureau on most plans
• Plan rates increase after the first year

Plans & Pricing

Standard Plan: For the initial year, the Standard plan costs $9.99 per month, with a renewal rate of $11.99 monthly. Alternatively, users can choose the annual payment option at $7.50 per month for the first year, requiring an upfront payment of $89.99, and then renewing at $124.99 per year.

Advantage Plan: Priced at $17.99 for the first year, the Advantage plan renews at $22.99 per month. Alternatively, users can opt for the annual payment plan at $14.99 per month for the first year, requiring an upfront payment of $179.88, and then renewing at $239.99 annually.

Ultimate Plus Plan: For the initial year, the Ultimate Plus plan offers comprehensive protection at $23.99 per month, with a renewal rate of $34.99 monthly. Alternatively, users can select the annual payment option at $19.99 per month for the first year, requiring an upfront payment of $239.88, and then renewing at $339.99 per year. Each tier provides different levels of features and benefits to meet various user needs.

>> Consider LifeLock to Protect Your Identity >>

ReliaShield – Best Identity Theft Protection Services for Families

We've chosen ReliaShield as the top choice for family identity theft protection because it provides great value with its comprehensive and budget-friendly group packages.

ReliaShield's family plans cover two adults starting at $14.99 per month, compared to the typical starting price of $25 per month for family identity monitoring plans. Alongside competitive pricing, all plans offer five types of monitoring, updates on data breaches, 24/7 customer and recovery services, and wallet protection. All plans extend coverage to children under 18 at no extra cost, making it ideal for households with minors.

While ReliaShield's starting individual and family plans offer credit report reminders, accurate credit protection services are available only with its mid and high-tier plans. These services include single or three-bureau credit monitoring, a monthly credit score tracker, and notifications for credit card applications. The company also monitors neighborhood predators and social media, which are crucial protections for families, though not included in the Essential plan.

Pros

• Family plans encompass all children below 18 years old
• Monitoring of the dark web and local predator activities
• Access to 24/7 customer service and limitless recovery support
• Alerts for data breaches

Cons

• Three-bureau credit monitoring exclusive to the priciest plan
• Credit monitoring services not included in the basic plan

Plans & Pricing

• The Essential plan is $7.99 per month or $87.99 per year, while the Family Essential plan costs $14.99 per month or $164.89 annually. 
• The Prime plan is $14.99 monthly or $164.99 yearly for individuals, and $24.99 monthly or $274.89 annually for families. 
• The Elite plan, providing enhanced protection, is $21.99 per month or $241.89 annually for individuals, and $34.99 monthly or $384.89 yearly for families.

Each plan caters to the diverse needs of individuals or families seeking comprehensive ID theft protection.

>> Consider ReliaShield to Protect Your Identity >>

IdentityIQ – Best Social Security Number Monitoring

IdentityIQ is dedicated to safeguarding customers against various forms of identity fraud, including financial and medical insurance scams, with a particular focus on protecting Social Security details. The IdentityIQ team diligently monitors activities associated with Social Security numbers, distinguishing themselves by ensuring customers remain well-informed. 

Unlike other services that only highlight suspicious actions, IdentityIQ guarantees users receive alerts for all SSN usage, irrespective of suspicion level, to prevent any oversight.

Besides monitoring, IdentityIQ offers proactive protection through a VPN and provides support if a customer experiences identity theft. This help includes top-tier identity restoration services, dedicated US-based case managers, and insurance coverage of up to $1 million.

Pros

• U.S.-based customer support and identity restoration teams
• Extensive credit and identity monitoring services
• Identity theft coverage up to $1,000,000 for legal, out-of-pocket, and indirect expenses
• Free coverage for children under 24 years old with the Secure Max plan

Cons

• Absence of mobile apps
• Lack of social network monitoring
• Third-party data sharing
• Limited phone support

Plans & Pricing

• The Secure tier costs $6.99 per month or $5.94 per month if billed annually at $71.30. The Secure Plus tier is $9.99 per month or $8.50 per month with annual billing at $101.90. 
• For the Secure Pro tier, the price is $19.99 per month or $16.99 per month with yearly billing at $203.90. 
• The Secure Max offers advanced features for $29.99 per month or $25.50 per month with annual billing at $305.90. These options let users select the protection level that suits their needs, whether on a monthly or yearly basis.

>> Consider IdentityIQ to Protect Your Identity >>

Aura – Best Identity Theft Protection Service for Multiple Devices

Don't be deceived by Aura's newness to the industry. Despite being a newcomer, Aura has already established itself as a leading provider by offering a wide range of affordable services. Each Aura subscription includes identity and credit monitoring, online and financial account monitoring, and device protection. The device protection features a VPN, antivirus software, password manager, encrypted vault, and more. Aura provides significant value with plans starting at just $12 per month.

All Aura subscriptions provide users with up to $1 million in insurance for lost and stolen funds due to identity fraud, along with excellent identity restoration services in the event of identity theft.

Aura stands out by offering a free trial, allowing users to explore the service for 14 days before deciding to continue. This free trial provides an opportunity to not only test Aura but also to experience having an identity protection service, particularly beneficial for first-time users.

Pros

• Cost-effective plans from $10 monthly
• Data protection via AES-256 encryption
• Aura gathers monitoring data from various sources, including public records, the dark web, new account records, and data broker lists
• Monthly monitoring involves all three credit bureaus

Cons

• Affiliated with Five Eyes
• Lack of live online support
• Android app usability concerns

Plans & Pricing

• The Individual plan costs $15 per month or $12 per month if billed annually at $144.
• For couples, the service charges $29 per month or $22 per month if paid annually, totaling $264.
• Families can select the Family plan for $50 per month or $37 per month if billed annually, totaling $444. These choices cater to different needs, whether monthly or yearly.

>> Consider Aura to Protect Your Identity >>

ID Watchdog - Best ID Theft Resolution Service

ID Watchdog, an entity with a playful name and a strong defense, operates from Denver. Since 2005, this company, owned by Equifax, has been actively protecting against identity theft. With a membership, you receive reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. 

ID Watchdog excels in resolving identity theft issues: If your identity is stolen, a certified specialist manages your case until it's fully restored. Unlike some other leading companies, ID Watchdog remains committed to helping you even if the repercussions of identity theft persist for years.

Membership also brings advanced identity theft prevention benefits. For instance, ID Watchdog constantly monitors dark web forums and other sources to promptly detect any suspicious activity. Upon detection, it immediately alerts you, allowing you to take necessary steps like changing your email password to thwart criminals.

Pros

• Notable assistance for restoring identity theft incidents
• Robust two-factor authentication system ensures high security
• Backed by Equifax, a leading credit bureau
• Outstanding credit monitoring capabilities

Cons

• History of data breaches at Equifax, the parent company of ID Watchdog
• Subpar ratings for its mobile applications
• Credit score tracking limited to one credit bureau
• Absence of a refund policy

Plans & Pricing

• ID Watchdog Select, For $12.50 per month with an annual subscription, you get basic and advanced identity monitoring, dark web monitoring, fraud alerts, and professional ID theft resolution. However, credit reports aren’t included in this plan.
• ID Watchdog Premium, For $18.33 per month with an annual subscription, you receive all the benefits of the previous plan, along with a monthly Vantage credit score from all three credit bureaus and an annual report from each bureau.

>> Consider ID Watchdog to Protect Your Identity >>

IdentityForce – Best Identity Theft Protection Service for Comprehensive Protection

IdentityForce, headquartered in Massachusetts, is renowned for its exceptional ID protection services tailored for families, with a special emphasis on safeguarding children's identities. 

To create a safer online environment for kids, IdentityForce's family plans include a VPN, essential for maintaining online privacy and defense against phishing, a prevalent identity theft tactic. These additional features ensure comprehensive protection for both you and your child from online identity theft.

In terms of identity protection, IdentityForce offers certified agents to help resolve identity fraud cases promptly. Available round-the-clock via phone, this team handles inquiries, and paperwork, and helps members access identity theft insurance policies worth up to $1 million.

Pros

• Offers excellent family packages
• Provides anti-phishing and anti-keylogging software
• Monitors social media activity
• Includes recovery services in all plans

Cons: 

• Limited information available on the UltraSecure plan
• U.S.-based, part of the Five Eyes alliance
• Prices are not the cheapest available
• iOS app performance is subpar

Plans & Pricing

• The Ultra Secure plan costs $17.95 per month or $179.50 annually
• For a more extensive package, the Ultra Secure + Credit plan is available for $23.95 monthly or $239.50 annually

Users can choose the payment option that fits their needs, whether it's the monthly flexibility or the value of annual billing.

>> Consider IdentityForce to Protect Your Identity >>

Identity Guard – Best Identity Theft Protection Service for Seniors

Founded in the 1990s during the rise of the internet, this Virginia-based company focuses on safeguarding identities in today's digital era. An Identity Guard subscription includes all four essential features mentioned above:

• Preventing theft 
• Monitoring credit
• Assisting in identity recovery
• Providing identity theft insurance coverage up to $1 million

Moreover, Identity Guard family plans help keep children safe on the internet. In the event of identity theft affecting any family member, a designated case manager will aid in restoring the individual's identity and provide coverage for expenses up to $1 million.

Pros

• Comprehensive identity theft protection plans available
• Utilizes IBM® artificial intelligence technology
• Offers up to $1 million in coverage for identity theft
• Includes Facebook timeline analysis for added security

Cons

• Mid-tier and upper-tier plans can be expensive
• Lacks 'limited power of attorney for recovery services' feature
• Doesn’t provide fraud alerts with credit bureaus
• Doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee

Plans & Pricing

The ID theft protection service presents various plans tailored for both individual and family requirements. 

• In the Individual Plan category, the Value option costs $8.99 per month or a discounted rate of $7.50 per month billed annually at $90
• The Total plan is priced at $19.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $16.67 billed annually at $200.04. For advanced protection, the Ultra plan is available at $29.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $25.00 billed annually at $300
• For families, the Family Plan options include the Value plan at $14.99 per month or $12.50 per month billed annually at $150
• The Total family plan is priced at $29.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $25.00 billed annually at $300
• The Ultra family plan offers comprehensive protection for $39.99 per month or a monthly equivalent of $33.33 billed annually at $399.96. These options enable individuals and families to choose the most suitable plan based on their preferences, whether opting for monthly convenience or annual savings.

>> Consider Identity Guard to Protect Your Identity >>

Experian – Best Identity Theft Protection Service Credit Monitoring

Experian IdentityWorks, a branch of the Ireland-based multinational credit reporting bureau Experian, earns the title of "best credit monitoring" among leading ID theft protection services. It monitors credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, providing daily updates of your Experian score, offering early warnings of identity fraud and guiding responsible credit usage. Other preventive measures from IdentityWorks include:

• Monitoring the dark web for indications of data breaches
• Issuing alerts from the sex offender registry in the event of a criminal relocating to your area
• Observing social media for fake accounts using your identity
• Verifying payday lenders for any applications made under your name

Even with strong preventive measures, identity theft can still occur. If your identity is compromised, Experian IdentityWorks will assist with resolving fraud and securing reimbursement of up to $1 million.

Pros

• Offers credit monitoring and reporting from all three major bureaus
• Provides daily tracking and updates of credit scores
• Affordable standard protection plan available
• Monitors social media for potential fraud

Cons

• $500k insurance plan is not very competitive
• Customer service responsiveness could be improved
• Upper-tier plans are relatively expensive
• Cancellation policy is confusing

Plans & Pricing

Coverage starting at $24.99 per month includes $1 million insurance, while the highest-tier plan, covering up to ten minors and two adults, costs $34.99 per month.

>> Consider Experian to Protect Your Identity >>

IDShield – Best Identity Theft Protection Service for Restoration

If your identity gets stolen, it can cost a lot of money! Many companies providing ID theft protection offer insurance coverage of up to $1 million. IDShield stands out by increasing that coverage. With its Family Plan, customers can receive up to $2 million in reimbursement for identity theft. 

Moreover, the company has a team of licensed private investigators to handle identity fraud, and this support is accessible round-the-clock. If your identity is compromised, IDShield promises to continue working on your case until all files are fully restored, and any financial losses are recovered.

The primary advantages of membership include:

• ID theft prevention
• Credit monitoring
• Identity recovery assistance
• Identity theft insurance up to $2,000,000

LegalShield, a law group headquartered in Oklahoma, includes IDShield as part of its services. IDShield has been available since 2001 and earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for 2019.

Pros

• Benefit from abundant educational materials on ID theft protection
• Receive quarterly credit reports from either one or all three bureaus
• Enjoy generous coverage of up to $2 million for family plans
• Access a private investigator hotline round the clock

Cons

• Some users may find the setup process perplexing
• Lack monitoring for 401(k) or retirement accounts
• The premium plan comes with a slightly high price tag
• Options for plan levels and features are restricted

Plans & Pricing

• The IDShield Individual plan starts at $14.95 per month and provides comprehensive ID protection by monitoring various platforms for fraudulent activity, including social media and payday lending services.

In case of identity compromise, subscribers receive dedicated support and have access to private investigators for advice. They can opt for credit report monitoring from one bureau (with the $14.95 per month plan) or all three bureaus (with the $19.95 per month plan). This plan includes $1 million in insurance coverage against ID theft.

• For $29.95 per month and up, the IDShield Family Plan extends the same protections to a spouse/domestic partner and up to eight children. Similar to the Individual plan, subscribers can choose credit report monitoring from one bureau for $29.95 per month or monitoring from all three bureaus for $34.95 per month. This plan also includes $2 million in ID theft insurance coverage.

>> Consider IDShield to Protect Your Identity >>

PrivacyGuard – Best Identity Theft Protection Service Customer Service

PrivacyGuard, an ID theft protection provider, offers straightforward pricing with affordable monthly rates and extensive coverage for resolving fraud. According to reviews, the company is known for its excellent customer service. Based in Connecticut, PrivacyGuard serves all U.S. states except Iowa, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

PrivacyGuard's most affordable ID protection plan starts at $9.99 per month and includes $1,000,000 coverage for fraud resolution. Auto-renewal is necessary to access this offer.

The key benefits offered by this company, accompanied by friendly customer service, include:

• ID theft prevention
• Credit monitoring
• Identity recovery assistance
• Identity theft insurance up to $1,000,000

Pros

• Outstanding customer support provided
• Cost-effective basic identity theft protection plan available
• Premium plan includes credit monitoring and fraud restoration services
• Identity theft insurance plan offers coverage of up to $1 million

Cons

• Lack of family-specific plan options
• Absence of social media monitoring feature
• No provision for a complimentary trial period
• Premium plan may be considered expensive

Plans & Pricing

• For $9.99 per month, the ID Protection plan lacks credit reports but offers dark web surveillance, SSN tracking, and ID verification monitoring. It provides fraud resolution support and up to $1,000,000 in ID theft coverage.
• At $19.99 per month, the Credit Protection plan excludes dark web monitoring but includes daily monitoring of credit reports from all three bureaus. It offers fraud resolution support and up to $1,000,000 in theft coverage.
• For $24.99 per month, the Total Protection plan combines features from both previous plans, including identity theft prevention, credit report monitoring, and fraud resolution. It also provides $1,000,000 in insurance coverage.

>> Consider PrivacyGuard to Protect Your Identity >>

Our Methodology: How We Picked the Best Identity Theft Protection of 2024

During our testing and research of various ID theft protection services, we examine several essential factors. Throughout our evaluation process, here's what we focus on:

• Credit Agencies Monitored: We require monitoring from all three Bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—along with regular updates on credit scores and reports.
• Financial Areas Monitored: From credit card, investment, and bank accounts to payday loans, we seek subscriptions to oversee our finances, ensuring no unauthorized access to our payment information.
• Criminal Areas Monitored: Whether it's court records, local sex offender registries, or the dark web, we seek services with comprehensive coverage for criminal areas.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Services should include identity theft insurance with a maximum reimbursement of $1 million, commonly seen in policies.
• Privacy Jurisdiction: Although we prioritize U.S.-based services, we still examine the company's privacy jurisdiction, particularly for those highly concerned about privacy.
• Privacy Policy: We thoroughly review each company's privacy policy to understand which of our information they retain, ensuring it's not sold to marketers for personalized ads.
• Encryption Method: We insist on encrypting our personally identifiable information (PII) using top standards like AES-256.
• App: We prefer apps that are user-friendly on both iOS and Android devices, devoid of glitches.
• Pricing: We aim to keep our service cost under $30 per month and appreciate companies offering discounts for yearly subscriptions.
• Customer Support: We prioritize prompt assistance via live chat, phone, or email for any technical issues.

>> Visit LifeLock Norton >>

Best Identity Theft Protection Services – Buyer’s Guide

What Is Identity Theft? Everything You Need To Know

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information to conduct various activities like making purchases, opening accounts, or obtaining loans. If your identity is stolen, you could suffer financial losses or face legal issues if the thief commits crimes in your name. Resolving identity theft promptly is crucial, but preventing it altogether is even better.

What Is Identity Theft Protection?

Identity theft protection is any service that monitors people’s personally identifiable information online, in credit applications, criminal records, and other places on the Internet and beyond. It often includes identity theft insurance, which covers damages, as well as credit monitoring.

• Credit Monitoring: Observing credit scores and reports serves as a key measure against identity theft, particularly when detecting unfamiliar activities. To enhance protection, certain services offer credit scores and reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
• Identity Monitoring: Identity monitoring operates across various domains, scrutinizing them for your personal details. Ranging from financial domains like bank accounts to criminal domains such as court records, most ID theft protection services employ artificial intelligence to scan for your information.

How Does Identity Theft Protection Work?

Identity theft protection operates simply. Upon signing up and paying for the service, users verify their identity with basic multiple-choice questions. Then, they input personal details, enabling the service to monitor comprehensively. 

By providing information like name, email, address, phone number, Social Security number, and more, users enhance monitoring accuracy. Setting up notifications allows users to receive alerts if their information appears in unauthorized locations, facilitated by AI software scanning online and offline platforms.

In case of an alert, users can investigate within the app and consult with identity restoration specialists if necessary. Subscribers may be eligible for reimbursement of damages up to $1 million if identity theft occurs during the subscription period. This summarizes the functionality of identity theft protection.

Is Identity Theft Protection Worth the Money?

We believe that investing in ID theft protection is worthwhile. However, not all services are equal. It's advisable to review our specific ID theft protection assessments before committing to any service. We've thoroughly evaluated each option to save you time and money.

>> Consider LifeLock to Protect Your Identity >>

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity theft occurs in various ways, and it's not always about a malicious hacker waiting to steal your password on the other side of the screen.

Phishing

Scammers can deceive you into disclosing personal information through emails or text messages resembling those from genuine entities like banks, online retailers, social media platforms, or streaming services. These fraudulent messages, known as phishing attempts, often pressure you to click on a link for urgent actions such as addressing a blocked account or updating payment details. They might also prompt you to download attachments that could harm your device.

Formjacking

Hackers use a technique called formjacking to secretly implant harmful code into real website forms. Their goal is to steal your billing details or login information without you noticing.

To stay safe, always ensure that the websites you visit have a secure connection. Look for "https'' at the beginning of the web address and a small lock icon. However, keep in mind that even if a website has these security features, it may still be compromised by skilled hackers using formjacking.

Physical Document Theft

Avoid keeping your Social Security card, passport, and other vital documents in your wallet, purse, or vehicle unless absolutely required. Remember to shred any documents containing personal details, like bank statements and utility bills, before throwing them away.

Synthetic Identity Theft

Cybercriminals could merge genuine personal details with fake ones to fabricate new identities. For instance, they might utilize a real Social Security number alongside a fictitious name when seeking a loan.

Child Identity Theft

Thieves may take a child's personal details and utilize them to start bank accounts, apply for loans, or obtain credit cards. Child identity theft often remains undetected until years later when the impacted person seeks employment, car insurance, or a new credit card.

The Technology Behind Identity Monitoring

Let's delve into the technical aspects. Encryption and artificial intelligence are the key features driving most identity monitoring services. Given the sensitive nature of the personal information we provide to these services, such as Social Security numbers and home addresses, it's crucial that our data is securely stored through encryption. 

Essentially, encryption converts our data into unreadable text, accessible only through our account, ensuring that our identity theft protection service doesn't heighten our vulnerability to identity theft, which would defeat its purpose.

Companies like Identity Guard use artificial intelligence to monitor the web and various sectors for our personal credentials. Identity Guard, for instance, employs IBM Watson® Artificial Intelligence, which tirelessly scans criminal and financial domains 24/7 for the user's Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Given that constant vigilance would be costly and impractical for companies, employing AI-driven algorithms is a more efficient method for identity monitoring.

Compare Identity Guard's identity monitoring service to others in our comparisons, such as Identity Guard vs. Complete ID, Identity Guard vs. IdentityForce, and IdentityGuard vs. Infoarmor. Alternatively, learn more about the Identity Guard app, Identity Guard credit monitoring, the Identity Guard free trial, or Identity Guard for spouses.

>> Visit LifeLock >>

Can I Monitor My Own Identity? Identity Theft Protection Alternatives

Certainly, there are other methods to prevent identity theft besides using ID theft protection services. Here are some alternatives recommended by the Federal Trade Commission:

• Safeguard all essential documents, such as credit cards, Social Security certificates, birth certificates, passports, and Medicare cards, by storing them securely, possibly with the assistance of reliable home security systems.
• Retrieve your mail promptly from your mailbox to prevent potential theft and unauthorized access to your credentials.
• Dispose of any documents containing personal information by shredding them immediately after use.
• Create lengthy, complex, and unique passwords for each of your accounts.
• Employ anti-phishing software to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts by hackers.
• Utilize a VPN when using public Wi-Fi networks to enhance security.
• Provide your Social Security Number to businesses only when absolutely necessary, determining the need on a case-by-case basis.
• Regularly review your credit scores and reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, as well as monitor your bank and other financial or medical accounts manually.

Although it's impossible to guarantee that your identity won't be stolen, following these straightforward measures can reduce the likelihood.

Identity Theft Insurance

As mentioned earlier, many ID theft protection providers include ID theft insurance in their subscriptions. This usually provides users with up to $1 million in reimbursement if they experience identity theft. However, no one or nothing can entirely stop identity theft. 

Even experts in digital security like us could have our credentials compromised and our identities stolen, which is why ID theft insurance is included in most ID theft protection plans. We appreciate that it's a standard feature in these plans!

Identity Restoration and Recovery

Experiencing identity theft can be distressing, leading to both financial and emotional hardships. Thankfully, many companies provide support for identity restoration along with insurance coverage. 

Although we didn't encounter identity theft during our testing, it was reassuring to know that if it happened, we would have access to round-the-clock support in some cases. These professionals would assist us in freezing our credit, informing the relevant authorities, and filing insurance claims, providing guidance throughout the entire process.

How to Report Identity Theft?

To report identity theft, begin by submitting a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338. After completing the FTC report, consider filing a police report, particularly if you suspect the identity thief's identity. Necessary documents for this process include:

• A copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report, aiding in identity recovery and informing businesses of the theft
• A government-issued photo ID, like your driver's license or passport
• A photo identification provided by the government, like your driver's license or passportYou need to provide your physical address and evidence of it, like a mortgage statement or utility bill
• Signs of identity theft include receiving unfamiliar bills, frequent credit checks, and notices from the IRS

>> Check Out LifeLock Norton >>

Best Identity Theft Protection Services – FAQs

How Do You Check to See if Someone Stole Your Identity?

The Federal Trade Commission lists several indicators that your identity might have been stolen, including:

• Your bank account experiences unexplained withdrawals
• You receive calls regarding unfamiliar debts or bills
• Mail is missing
• False information appears on your medical records
• The IRS informs you of a filed tax return in your name
• Unfamiliar alterations occur on your credit score or report

How Can I Monitor My Credit for Identity Theft?

You can monitor your credit for identity theft through a few methods. One option is to subscribe to a credit/identity monitoring service like Experian or LifeLock. Alternatively, you can obtain your credit reports at no cost from annualcreditreport.com. Review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and check for any unfamiliar accounts, bankruptcies, judgments, etc.

Should You Get Identity Theft Protection?

We believe everyone needs ID theft protection, regardless of age, financial status, credit history, or other factors. Personal information is easily accessible and can be stolen through various means like lost wallets or phishing scams. While ID theft protection can't stop identity theft entirely, it can alert you promptly to suspicious activity and offer insurance if your identity is stolen.

>> Consider LifeLock to Protect Your Identity >>

Final Thoughts

Top-notch ID theft protection services should include a wide range of identity and credit monitoring features in their plans, along with a strong identity restoration package and extra cybersecurity tools.

We assessed each provider's monitoring and alert systems, reimbursement policies, customer support, and cybersecurity software to determine which companies offer the most effective ID theft protection services, such as LifeLock, ReliaShield, and Aura.

>> Check Out LifeLock Norton >>

This is a sponsored article. The article should not be considered as advice.