Identity theft can be expensive, stressful and time-consuming for victims. Fight the fraudsters with pro help! Here\u2019s a guide to the best identity theft protection companies<\/strong> in the USA. With monthly plans starting around $10, these top-notch organizations help prevent identity theft, track down criminals and support the financial well-being of their subscribers.<\/p>\n If your identity is stolen, the best ID theft protection companies can literally save you a million dollars<\/em> in expenses\u2026 plus they\u2019ll make identity restoration as hassle-free as possible. They can provide these services and more:<\/p>\n The best identity theft protection companies typically provide up to $1,000,000 reimbursement<\/strong> if your identity is stolen. One top company (IDShield) includes up to $5 million in ID theft insurance. Learn about plans to protect one person or a whole family. Our ten favorites:<\/p>\n Every shopper has different priorities, but in general the best ID theft protection has four main types of benefits:<\/p>\n Some companies below are devoted entirely to identity theft protection. Others are divisions of groups in related industries such as credit reporting, insurance and law.<\/p>\n Identity Guard<\/strong> takes the honor for best ID theft protection overall. This Virginia-based company emerged in the 1990s as the world wide web was becoming mainstream; its main mission is protecting identity in the digital age. An Identity Guard subscription covers all four features recommended above:<\/p>\n Furthermore the Identity Guard family plan can help kids stay safe online. If identity fraud happens to any family member, a dedicated case manager will help restore the victim\u2019s name and cover up to $1 million<\/strong> in related expenses.<\/p>\n As of 2019 Identity Guard has served nearly 50 million customers and boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.<\/p>\n Artificial intelligence helps Identity Guard prevent ID theft. The company partners with IBM Watson<\/strong>, a supercomputer that \u201cthinks\u201d wisely as it processes information. Some of IBM Watson\u2019s skills include winning at Jeopardy<\/em>, diagnosing medical problems and protecting against identity theft.<\/p>\n The supercomputer scours the web constantly, processing billions of data points per day. If data theft is detected, Identity Guard customers are alerted within three seconds<\/strong>. This gives you time to change passwords or take other steps to avoid damage. IBM Watson reduces the risk of identity theft by about 16 percent according to the programmers.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a partial list of available Identity Guard benefits:<\/p>\n Features above are included with Identity Guard Premier plans. Lower-priced plans provide less credit reporting and omit the social media features (Facebook analysis and cyberbullying alerts\/response).<\/p>\n Monthly rates range from $8.99 to $34.99. Premier <\/em>plans give the most comprehensive protection. Individual Value<\/em> plans are the most affordable.<\/p>\n LifeLock <\/strong>was founded in 2005 in Arizona. Since 2017 the company has been owned by Symantec, the maker of Norton Security. This helps make LifeLock a top ID theft protection company in terms of online protection, as each plan includes a subscription to Norton 360<\/strong>. The Norton 360 antivirus package helps prevent identity theft by protecting against phishing, spyware, malware, computer viruses and more. The software updates automatically for easy identity protection.<\/p>\n As the company name suggests, LifeLock is also popular for letting you easily lock your credit<\/strong>. If you lose your wallet or detect identity fraud, you can instantly freeze your accounts and lock inquiries with the three leading credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). This feature is available with the LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan.<\/p>\n Main categories of LifeLock features are:<\/p>\n LifeLock serves more than five million customers. In 2019 they have an A- minus rating with the Better Business Bureau.<\/p>\n Adults can choose from three LifeLock plans, then add LifeLock Junior <\/strong>for $5.99\/month per minor. LifeLock Juniorincludes Norton 360 for online safety along with most features of standard accounts, such as dark web monitoring and lost wallet protection. Furthermore, a junior account monitors peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites<\/strong> that teens commonly use in case personal data has been exposed via downloads of music, videos and other files. P2P protection is also included in regular LifeLock accounts.<\/p>\n A minor can receive up to $1 million in restitution<\/strong> for identity fraud, depending on which main LifeLock plan is tied to the account. (Top dollar comes with Ultimate Plus.) The LifeLock plans for adults are:<\/p>\n Some LifeLock benefits for members of all ages are:<\/p>\n Furthermore, for adults LifeLock can supply triple-bureau credit reports <\/strong>with Vantage 3.0 scores, send notifications of crimes committed in your name, and more!<\/p>\n LifeLock plans differ in terms of credit reporting, how many devices can run Norton 360, and more.<\/p>\n IdentityForce<\/strong> is a family-owned company with headquarters in Massachusetts. They formed in 2005 especially to fight identity theft, and today they boast an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. IdentityForce stands out for the best child ID protection<\/strong>. Anti-phishing technologyand other features can help kids and adults stay safe online, plus IdentityForce will notify you if a registered sex offender moves into your neighborhood.<\/p>\n Also a priority: financial well-being! IdentityForce can help you improve credit <\/strong>with convenient triple-bureau reporting and a credit use simulator.<\/p>\n If identity fraud occurs, IdentityForce will assign certified agents to help resolve your case. The team is available by phone 24\/7 to answer questions, complete paperwork, and help members take advantage of identity theft insurance policies up to $1 million.<\/p>\n Main categories of IdentityForce features are:<\/p>\n The IdentityForce Family ID Protection plan<\/strong> supports an unlimited number of children for about $25\/month. You can also choose a $17.95\/month plan and add identity protection for kids at just $2.75 each, which is a low rate among the best ID theft protection companies.<\/p>\n Benefits specifically for those over age 18 include these and more:<\/p>\n In sum, IdentityForce is focused on families\u2019 identity protection, financial well-being, and safety online and in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n Plans starting at $17.99\/month can be ordered online. However, the family specials (about $25 to $35 per month) require a call to IdentityForce at 866-280-5896.<\/p>\n Try IdentityForce free for two weeks.<\/p>\n ID Watchdog<\/strong> has a cute name and a serious bite! This Denver-based company is owned by the credit bureau Equifax and has been guarding against identity theft since 2005. A membership can deliver reports from all three major credit reporting agencies, plus ID Watchdog is top-notch in terms of ID theft resolution<\/strong>: If your identity is stolen, a certified ID theft risk management specialist will manage your case until your identity is fully restored. Some other top companies will tire after a few years, even if the consequences of identity theft drag on for years<\/p>\n Advanced identity theft prevention <\/strong>is a benefit of membership too. For instance, ID Watchdog monitors dark web forums and other sources for early tips about identity theft. In case a breach is discovered, you\u2019ll be alerted right away. In response you might be advised to change your email password or take other steps to stay ahead of criminals.<\/p>\n Main types of IDWatchdog benefits are:<\/p>\n At last check IDWatchdog does not share their policy about identity theft insurance. Their best-advertised distinguishing benefit is the tireless pursuit of criminals\u2026 but on whose dime?<\/p>\n IDWatchdog is also rare for offering ID recovery assistance for non-subscribers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Two ID Watchdog plans are available: Plus and Premium.<\/p>\n Help is available by phone 24\/7 in 100 languages, and ID Watchdog has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Learn more at IDwatchdog.com\/products.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no surprise that Experian IdentityWorks<\/strong> wins \u201cbest credit monitoring\u201d among the top ID theft protection services. The firm is a branch of Experian, the Ireland-based multinational credit reporting bureau. IdentityWorks can monitor your credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion<\/strong> \u2013 and they share your Experian score daily, not just monthly. Daily updates can serve as early tip-offs to identity fraud, plus they can help you use credit wisely. (Reflect on your behavior!) Some other preventive measures from IdentityWorks include:<\/p>\n Despite the best prevention efforts, ID theft happens. If your identity is compromised, Experian IdentityWorks will help with fraud resolution <\/strong>and help secure reimbursement up to $500,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In sum, with affordable plans from Experian IdentityWorks you can get:<\/p>\n Plans with $500K insurance start at just $9.99 per month and top out at $29.99. Up to ten minors and two adults can share plans for $14.99\/month and up.<\/p>\n Credit Sesame<\/strong> is a no-charge financial wellness company based in northern California. For free <\/em>they let you see daily updates to your credit report<\/strong>, and the scores can alert you to identity theft. They also help people make wise credit\/loan decisions based on personal credit scores. Even if you aren\u2019t interested in loans, Credit Sesame could be worth joining simply for its $50K in identity theft insurance. Again, it\u2019s free!<\/p>\n Essentially with Credit Sesame you can:<\/p>\n To help you monitor for signs of ID theft, Credit Sesame makes your daily TransUnion score<\/strong> available. This is called the VantageScore, and it pulls from all three credit bureaus. Since 2006 the VantageScore has been the main alternative to the FICO score.<\/p>\n Credit Sesame has a relatively low insurance benefit<\/strong>: $50,000 maximum. Also, they don\u2019t offer identity recovery services… but again, this identity theft protection is free! Other companies take payments for monthly subscriptions, and Credit Sesame revenue comes from connecting people with loans and other paid financial services.<\/p>\n Main categories of Credit Sesame benefits are:<\/p>\n Credit Sesame launched in 2010 with big support from the Silicon Valley startup community, and within a couple years it was managing a reported $35 billion for borrowers! In 2019 the company has an A+ rating<\/strong> from the Better Business Bureau.<\/p>\n Beware of imitators using Credit Sesame\u2019s good name. The genuine Credit Sesame website is CreditSesame.com.<\/p>\n PrivacyGuard<\/strong> is an ID theft protection company featuring low monthly rates, high coverage for fraud resolution, and an A+ rating with the BBB. Reviews suggest that they have the best customer service<\/strong> too. This Connecticut-based group serves all US states except Iowa, Rhode Island and Vermont.<\/p>\n With PrivacyGuard the cheapest ID protection costs just $9.99\/month, and it provides $1,000,000 for fraud resolution<\/strong>. Auto-renewal is required for the deal.<\/p>\n Delivered with pleasant customer service, the main types of benefits with this company are:<\/p>\n Each plan emphasizes identity protection<\/strong>, just credit protection<\/strong> or both:<\/p>\n Main preventive benefits are dark web surveillance, SSN tracking and ID verification monitoring. Subscribers also get fraud resolution support and up to $1,000,000 in coverage for identity theft.<\/p>\n We like PrivacyGuard\u2019s approach to membership plans; it\u2019s easy to choose between ID protection, credit monitoring or both. Each plan includes generous insurance and top-notch customer support. Trial membership, just $1 for 14 days, is offered at PrivacyGuard.com.<\/p>\n Zander Insurance Group<\/strong> is among the oldest companies in our guide. Founded in 1925, they\u2019ve served generations of Americans with car insurance, home insurance, life insurance and related products. In 2010 Zander expanded to provide identity theft protection with up to $1 million in restitution<\/strong>. In case identity fraud is detected, Zander agents will work for up to three years to restore your records.<\/p>\n One main advantage of choosing Zander for ID theft protection is saving with insurance bundling. They can also secure up to $7,500 per month for lost wages<\/strong>, which is above the industry norm of $5,000. Furthermore, identity theft protection from Zander Insurance Group comes with advanced detection services<\/strong>. Unlike many competitors, they monitor for these types of identity theft:<\/p>\n Main types of benefits with Zander identity protection are:<\/p>\n Zander recommends that subscribers receive free credit reports annually as provided by federal law.<\/p>\n The Zander ID theft individual plan<\/strong> costs just $6.75\/month or $75 annually. Their affordable family plan costs just $12.90\/month or $145 per year.<\/p>\n If your identity is stolen, the expense can be exorbitant! Therefore most ID theft protection companies offer up to $1 million in ID theft insurance. IDShield <\/strong>is unique for upping the limit to $5 million with affordable identity protection plans. They also employ a team of licensed private investigators <\/strong>to deal with identity fraud, and the investigators\u2019 support is available 24\/7.<\/p>\n If your identity is compromised, IDShield pledges to keep working on your case until files are completely restored and financial damages are reversed.<\/p>\n Main benefits of membership are:<\/p>\n IDShield is part of LegalShield, an Oklahoma-based law group. The service dates back to 2001 and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for 2019.<\/p>\n Identity protection plans let you choose from no credit reports, one credit report, or reports from all three credit bureaus. Choices include:<\/p>\n In sum, IDShield is unique for its $5,000,000 family ID protection insurance plans. They\u2019re also unique for their 24\/7 hotline to private investigators.<\/p>\n IDnotify<\/strong> is part of the credit reporting bureau Experian. So too is IdentityWorks (above). A main difference between Experian\u2019s two ID theft services is the insurance coverage. While IdentityWorks has a cap of $500K, IDnotify provides identity theft insurance of $1 million with plans starting at $17.99\/month. Cheaper plans cost just $9.99\/month.<\/p>\n Main types of benefits with IDnotify are:<\/p>\n However, perks vary significantly plan-to-plan\u2026<\/p>\n While the $9.99 Essential Plan is a best value in identity theft protection, the $17.99 deal can pay off significantly if your name is compromised!<\/p>\n Why do people steal identities? Easy money is one big motivator: As you probably assume, shopping sprees happen! But criminals could use your name, financial accounts, and Social Security Number for many reasons besides trips to the mall or car dealership\u2026 and it doesn\u2019t matter if you have poor credit or no credit. (Even a baby can have identity stolen!) Here are ten types of identity theft to beware.<\/p>\n With financial identity theft, someone takes your name to get goods and services. Maybe they only gas up their Honda. Maybe they use your credit and debit accounts to live the high life!<\/p>\n A classic example is in the Friends<\/em> episode \u201cThe One With the Fake Monica.\u201d When Monica reviews her credit card statement, she sees that her imposter is living her dream life: \u201cShe buys tickets for plays that I wanna see. She buys clothes from stores that I'm intimidated by the sales people.\u201d<\/p>\n The fake Monica spent $300 on art supplies. In more dramatic real-life examples, thieves steal identities to pay for cars, homes, military-grade weapons and espionage! This helps explain why the leading ID theft protection companies have such high insurance payouts. Typical insurance covers up to $1 million in expenses, and IDshield<\/strong> has a $5 million policy.<\/p>\n How do criminals get account numbers and bank cards?<\/p>\n A person set on financial identity theft might own a bank card maker or have a shady friend at a legitimate bank card company. However, sometimes a physical copy of your credit\/debit card isn\u2019t needed! For instance, someone could shop online with your account numbers. This is a type of \u201ccard-not-present fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n Theft prevention services can help by sending real-time alerts if your accounts are altered. Services like LifeLock<\/strong> let you instantly freeze your accounts, for example. The best identity theft protection companies can also recover related expenses.<\/p>\n With medical ID theft, somebody uses your personal data to get healthcare services or medication. An example: This Security.org writer was billed for another person\u2019s knee surgery.<\/p>\n America\u2019s opiate addiction crisis is contributing to medical identity theft; desperate people are getting pills through ID fraud.<\/p>\n Unwarranted medical bills are one just related problem for victims. More trouble comes if a criminal\u2019s medical history becomes combined with your records. This could raise your health insurance rate or might even trigger errors in your personal medical treatment.<\/p>\n To stay alert to medical identity theft, read your healthcare statements carefully! Also consider an identity theft protection service like Zander<\/strong> that helps detect fraudulent medical charges.<\/p>\n Compared with middle-aged adults, seniors are more likely to be victims of financial identity theft and medical ID theft. Criminals specifically target older Americans, knowing that they\u2019re statistically less likely to monitor accounts for identity fraud. Also, seniors tend to be more vulnerable to phishing; they\u2019re more likely tricked by fraudulent emails and websites.<\/p>\n Antivirus programs like Norton 360, which is included with LifeLock identity protection<\/strong>, help prevent people from getting duped online.<\/p>\n With criminal ID theft, a person uses your identity when arrested for a crime. If you have a clean record, then using your identity could help them avoid an immediate penalty such as arrest during a traffic stop. Instead of spending the night (or longer) in jail, they\u2019ll simply take a ticket.<\/p>\n Of course, the criminal won\u2019t actually pay the ticket or appear in court if required. This makes you<\/em> look like a criminal on the lam in police databases! Thus a simple police pullover for a traffic violation could lead to your incarceration.<\/p>\n Criminal ID theft can interfere with multiple areas of your life beyond false imprisonment. After all, people pay for background checks when considering people as renters, employees, investors and romantic partners.<\/p>\n Identity Guard<\/strong> and LifeLock <\/strong>are some of the best anti-theft companies that search for arrest records with your name.<\/p>\n Identity cloning lets someone live daily life as another person. It\u2019s one type of immigration fraud, as it lets people get housing and employment, but generally identity cloning takes other forms. US citizens who have poor credit, criminal records and eviction records are especially likely to masquerade as other people.<\/p>\n One example from a Security.org reader is a prospective apartment renter. Finding a rental is tough since she\u2019s unemployed and has a record for vandalizing properties! With identity cloning she applied for a home rental using the LinkedIn profile of an employed woman with the same name.<\/p>\n Identity cloning sometimes involves social media accounts. On Facebook, for example, criminals can rather easily duplicate genuine accounts by using publicly available images, then tricked contacts into sending money for romantic escapades or made-up emergencies. Identity Guard<\/strong> is one of the best identity theft protection services with a Facebook profile analysis.<\/p>\n More than a million children are victims of identity theft in a given year. Generally this involves someone using a child\u2019s Social Security Number to commit fraud. Regardless of the child\u2019s age, a criminal could stack payday loans and make a quick getaway; get a driver\u2019s license; or generally abuse credit in the child\u2019s name.<\/p>\n Obviously you may have a problem if your toddler receives notices of pre-approved credit status\u2026 but this sort of identity theft could go undetected for years. A child might only become aware of the problem when they first apply for a job, are pulled over for speeding, or try to get a credit card as an adult.<\/p>\n The best identity theft protection plans for kids will send early alerts about signs of fraud. Anti-theft services such as IdentityForce<\/strong> and LifeLock<\/strong> are especially proactive about keeping minors\u2019 data secure.<\/p>\n Tax identity theft can occur when criminals obtain your name and Social Security Number. Their goal is to get your tax refund. You could become a victim of tax identity theft even if you\u2019re unemployed, low-income or actually owe<\/em> the government a tax payment. After all, criminals aren\u2019t concerned with facts when they file paperwork.<\/p>\n Tax fraudsters can easily submit phony income in your name, then change your listed address to receive a refund check. The federal government recommends that you request an IRS tax PIN to help safeguard your account against this kind of ID theft.<\/p>\n What is employment identity theft? A person who isn\u2019t legally eligible for employment might use a false name and SSN to get a US job. They might also be tricked into signing falsified documents by a sneaky employer, especially if they don\u2019t speak English.<\/p>\n With employment ID theft, the actual worker gets the benefit of paychecks in exchange for labor. However, at tax time someone else is stuck with any related payments to the government.<\/p>\n Zander Insurance Group<\/strong> is among the best identity theft protection companies that look for employment in your name.<\/p>\n A criminal who wants a car or truck might use a false identity when applying for credit. Typically they never intend to pay, and they\u2019d love to qualify for a vehicle that\u2019s only available with your<\/em> better credit!<\/p>\n Auto lending ID fraud is somewhat common because eager auto dealers are more concerned with making sales than with cross-checking applicants\u2019 names, Social Security Numbers and photo IDs. Also, fraudsters can falsify their\/your employment verification and otherwise defeat auto loan safeguards.<\/p>\n Synthetic identity theft involves a mix of real and fraudulent data. Generally it combines real Social Security Numbers with made-up names and birthdays. This sort of ID theft may remain hidden for awhile, as it won\u2019t show in a typical credit report search for the real SSN owner\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
About the Best ID Theft Protection Companies<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Identity Guard – Best Identity Theft Protection Overall<\/h2>\n
\n
Watson at Your Service…<\/h3>\n
Benefits List<\/h3>\n
\n
Identity Guard Pricing<\/h3>\n
\n
LifeLock – Best Antivirus Bundling<\/h2>\n
\n
LifeLock for Children & Adults<\/h3>\n
\n
Benefits List<\/h3>\n
\n
IdentityForce – Best Child Protection Options<\/h2>\n
\n
Benefits List<\/h3>\n
\n
ID Watchdog – Best ID Theft Resolution Service<\/h2>\n
\n
Pricing and Benefits<\/h3>\n
\n
Experian IdentityWorks – Best Credit Monitoring with Daily Updates<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Experian IdentityWorks Prices<\/h3>\n
Credit Sesame – Best Free Credit Reporting<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
PrivacyGuard – Best Customer Service<\/h2>\n
\n
PrivacyGuard Prices<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Zander Insurance – Best Insurance Bundling<\/h2>\n
\n
Zander Benefits and Prices<\/h3>\n
\n
IDShield – Best Family Plans with High Coverage<\/h2>\n
\n
IDShield Benefits & Prices<\/h3>\n
\n
IDnotify – Best Value Identity Theft Protection<\/h2>\n
\n
Plans & Benefits<\/h3>\n
\n
Best ID Theft Protection Review<\/h2>\n
Which companies provide the best identity theft protection? Here\u2019s a review of the guide above.<\/h3>\n
\n
Types of Identity Theft<\/h2>\n
Financial Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
\n
Medical Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Senior Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Criminal Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Identity Cloning<\/h3>\n
Child Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Tax Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Employment Identity Theft<\/h3>\n
Automobile Lending Fraud<\/h3>\n
Synthetic Identity Theft<\/h3>\n