Top Credit Monitoring & Credit Freeze Protections 2023
Stay proactive and off the statistics, ensuring your financial security.
LifeLock
Identity theft can happen easily. LifeLock makes protection easy, too
- Protection up to $3,000,000
- Credit Monitoring, Reports & Scores Three-Bureau
- Stolen Wallet Protection
- 60-Day Window For a Full Refund
IDshield
The best 24/7 identity theft protection
- Protection up to $1,000,000
- Credit Monitoring for up to Three-Bureau
- Credit Freeze and Fraud Alert Assitance
- Monthly Credit Score Tracker
IdentityForce
Protect who you are
- Credit Monitoring: Three-Bureau
- Bank and Credit Card Activity Alert
- Credit Score Tracker and Simulator
Compare Top Identity Theft Plans
Our Top Identity Theft Solutions
Lifelock
Lifelock by Norton offers a comprehensive range of features to protect your personal and financial information. Some of its features include credit monitoring, Social Security Number monitoring, and dark web monitoring. Additionally, Norton Identity Theft provides up to $1 million reimbursements for stolen funds, up to $1 million for lawyers and experts and up to $1 million for personal expense. Norton with LifeLock combines Norton’s strong cyber threat protection technology with the acclaimed LifeLock services, offering users a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding against identity theft and securing their devices.
Pros
- Offers comprehensive identity restoration features. If your identity is compromised, they will go the extra mile to restore it
- Provides Dark Web Monitoring, which keeps an eye on suspicious activities in the dark corners of the internet
- Stolen Wallet Assistance is another feature that will help you cancel and replace lost or stolen documents
- Offers credit monitoring services to detect any suspicious or fraudulent activities
Cons
- ❌Lack of support for mobile devices
IDShield
Provided by LegalShield, this service offers all-encompassing identity protection that covers personal information, credit report monitoring, and overseeing online presence. Professional assistance directs users through the process of resolving identity theft. Continuous monitoring actively oversees personal data, credit reports, and online accounts for signs of suspicious activity. Tools for safeguarding privacy manage the removal of personal information from online sources. In cases of a lost or stolen wallet. Furthermore, the service is equipped to guide individuals through the process of identity restoration in the unfortunate event of theft.
Pros
- Access to a mobile app for convenient monitoring and alerts on the go.
- The service provides support for document cancellation and reissuing.
- Alerts notified users of unusual events such as credit report changes or data breaches
- Access to experts who can provide guidance on identity theft prevention and resolution.
Cons
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Limited Coverage for offline cases and physical sources
Limited Coverage for offline cases and physical sources
myFICO
myFICO identity theft tool offers a range of advantages for individuals who are concerned about safeguarding their personal information. It provides features such as continuous monitoring of personal details like Social Security numbers, credit cards, and bank accounts to detect any suspicious activity or signs of identity theft. Additionally, the tool scans the dark web, where stolen personal information is often traded, to identify if your information is being illegally bought or sold. In the unfortunate event of identity theft, myFICO offers up to $1 million in insurance coverage to help recover any financial losses.
Pros
- Access to FICO® Scores is a benefit, allowing users to stay informed about their credit health and make more informed financial decisions
- Provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage to help you recover any financial losses
- Includes a credit score simulator that helps you understand how certain actions, such as paying off debt or opening a new credit account, may impact your credit scores
- Provides assistance in canceling and reissuing credit cards and identification documents in case of a lost or stolen wallet
Cons
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Users still need to take additional steps to protect their personal information
Identity Force
An identity theft protection company that helps individuals safeguard personal and financial information. Notable advantages include advanced monitoring of various identity aspects such as credit reports, social security numbers, and bank accounts, often accompanied by real-time alerts for suspicious activities. They might also provide dark web monitoring to detect potential breaches, as well as assistance for identity restoration and mobile app access for on-the-go monitoring. Included features encompass credit, dark web, and bank account monitoring, social security number tracking, identity restoration aid, real-time alerts, and potential family protection plans.
Pros
- Advanced monitoring services to track various aspects of your identity, including credit reports, social security numbers, bank accounts, and more.
- Real-time alerts if any suspicious activity is detected, such as credit inquiries, changes to your credit reports, or potential identity theft indicators
- Offers assistance and guidance to help you restore your identity, including working with credit agencies and other relevant entities.
- Offer a mobile app for convenient monitoring and alerts on the go
Cons
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Managing frequent alerts and notifications might become overwhelming
Zander
Protect your identity with confidence using the McAfee Identity Theft Tool, the ultimate solution for comprehensive security. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures real-time monitoring and immediate alerts, empowering you to stay ahead of any suspicious activity that could compromise your identity. Benefit from advanced features like dark web monitoring, which proactively detects compromised data, and our Social Security number trace that prevents fraudulent activities from causing chaos in your life. Rest assured, our dedicated team of experts is ready to guide you through the process of restoring your identity if the worst happens. Don’t leave your personal information vulnerable – choose McAfee’s Identity Theft Tool
What We like
- Stay one step ahead of identity theft with continuous monitoring of the dark web and credit activity
- You’ll be alerted up to 10 months before similar dark web monitoring services if your info is found where it shouldn’t be
- See which sites are selling your personal data to the public without your permission with Personal Data Cleanup
- Protection Score checks the health of each family member. Everyone gets their own score and custom guidance for better online safety
What we don't like
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May not be able to detect all instances of identity theft
IdentityIQ
Offers diverse services to safeguard personal and financial information from identity theft. Notable advantages include comprehensive protection through monitoring and prevention tools. This involves credit and dark web monitoring, Social Security number alerts, and potential insurance coverage. IdentityIQ provides alerts, restoration assistance, and child protection. Features include credit monitoring, dark web tracking, identity restoration support, lost wallet assistance, and more. Verify current features and reviews for informed decisions.
What We like
- Tracking your credit score over time to help you stay informed about your credit health
- Access to specialists who can assist with identity theft resolution and guide you through necessary steps
- Regular monitoring of your credit reports for changes, inquiries, and potential signs of fraud.
- Notification if your Social Security number is being used in ways that might indicate identity theft.
What we don't like
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The constant alerts and notifications might become overwhelming
Get protected in 3 easy steps
Scan
It’s technology scans for use of your personal info and pinpoints possible identity threats
Alert
Get real-time alerts to possible threats by text, phone call, email or mobile app. Computer or smartphone not required
FIX
A live, dedicated, U.S. based Identity Restoration Specialist will work to resolve your identity theft issue from start to finish
When identity theft occurs, several significant risks and consequences can impact the victim's financial stability, creditworthiness, and overall well-being:
Financial Loss and Fraudulent Transactions: Identity thieves may use stolen credit card information to make unauthorized purchases, cash withdrawals, or conduct other financial transactions. Victims may face substantial financial losses as a result of these fraudulent activities.
Credit Score Damage: Unauthorized credit card use can lead to missed payments or defaults, negatively affecting the victim’s credit score. A lower credit score can make it challenging to obtain credit in the future or result in higher interest rates on loans.
Accrued Debt and Liability: Victims may be held liable for unauthorized transactions on their credit cards until the issue is resolved. The accumulated debt may be substantial, impacting the victim’s financial stability and ability to meet other financial obligations.
Identity Misuse and New Accounts: Identity thieves may use stolen credit card information to open new credit accounts, making the victim unknowingly responsible for debts incurred in their name. This can further complicate the resolution process and damage the victim’s credit profile.
Legal and Criminal Consequences: In some cases, identity theft may involve criminal activities conducted using the victim’s credit card information. This can lead to legal issues and potential challenges in proving innocence and resolving criminal allegations.
Emotional Distress and Mental Health Impact: Coping with the aftermath of credit card-related identity theft can cause significant emotional stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges for the victim. The process of resolving the issue, disputing fraudulent charges, and dealing with financial institutions can be overwhelming and emotionally draining.
Reputation Damage: Identity theft can damage the victim’s reputation, leading to mistrust or suspicion from financial institutions and other parties. This can impact relationships, professional opportunities, and personal credibility.
Ongoing Monitoring and Vigilance: After experiencing credit card-related identity theft, victims must remain vigilant about monitoring their credit reports, accounts, and personal information to detect any further suspicious activity and take prompt action to prevent additional harm.
What is Credit Monitoring and how it can help?
Identity theft protection services are designed to help individuals safeguard their personal and financial information from unauthorized access and use. These services offer a range of tools, features, and proactive measures to detect and prevent identity theft. One important component of identity theft protection is credit monitoring.
Credit monitoring involves continuous tracking and analysis of a person’s credit report and credit score. The purpose is to identify any suspicious or unauthorized activity related to their credit accounts. Here’s how credit monitoring helps:
Early Detection of Suspicious Activity: Credit monitoring services notify you of any significant changes or activities on your credit report. This can include new accounts opened in your name, changes in address, or large transactions.
Fraud Alerts and Notifications: If potential fraudulent activity is detected, the service will send alerts or notifications via email, SMS, or a mobile app. This allows you to take immediate action to verify the activity and report any unauthorized transactions.
Regular Credit Report Reviews: The service will provide regular access to your credit reports from major credit bureaus (such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for you to review. Monitoring these reports helps you stay informed about your credit status and any changes made.
Credit Score Tracking: Credit monitoring often includes tracking your credit score and providing updates on how it changes over time. A sudden and unexplained drop in your credit score could indicate potential fraud or errors that need attention.
Protection Against Identity Theft: By detecting suspicious activities early, credit monitoring helps prevent identity theft or minimizes the damage caused by unauthorized use of your identity.
Assistance with Disputes and Resolutions: If you detect unauthorized or incorrect information on your credit report, the service can guide you through the process of disputing and resolving these issues with the credit bureaus and creditors.
Credit Freeze Assistance: Offers guidance on placing a credit freeze on your credit reports to restrict access to your SSN and prevent new credit accounts from being opened fraudulently.
If credit monitoring raises an alert, such as a new account you didn’t authorize, you can use the information provided to take immediate action, including placing a credit freeze to prevent further unauthorized accounts.
Placing a credit freeze adds an additional layer of security by restricting access to your credit report, making it significantly harder for fraudsters to misuse your credit information, even if they have some of your personal details.
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a proactive step a consumer can take to restrict access to their credit report. When you place a credit freeze on your credit report, it restricts potential creditors from accessing your credit history, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts or lines of credit in your name.
Credit Freeze key aspects:
Freezing and Unfreezing: When you place a credit freeze, you essentially “lock” your credit report. If a potential creditor tries to access your credit report, they will receive a message that the report is frozen. You can later “thaw” or lift the freeze temporarily when you want to allow access, for instance, when applying for a new loan or credit card.
Protection Against Fraud: A credit freeze is a powerful tool to prevent unauthorized individuals from using your personal information to open new credit accounts, thereby reducing the risk of identity theft and credit fraud.
Process and Fees: Placing a credit freeze usually involves contacting each of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) individually.
Unique PIN: When you freeze your credit, you’ll receive a unique personal identification number (PIN). This PIN is required to lift or temporarily thaw the freeze, so it’s essential to keep it in a secure place.
Effects on Credit Applications: While a credit freeze enhances security, it can also temporarily hinder your ability to apply for new credit. If you plan to apply for a loan or credit card, you need to unfreeze your credit temporarily to allow the potential creditor access to your credit report.
Doesn’t Affect Existing Accounts: Placing a credit freeze does not impact your existing credit relationships or credit scores. You can still use your existing credit cards and other accounts as usual.
Exemptions: Certain entities, such as your existing creditors, collection agencies, and government agencies with a permissible purpose, can still access your credit report even if it’s frozen.
A credit freeze is a valuable tool to enhance your personal information security, especially if you’re not actively seeking new credit. It gives you control over who can access your credit report, providing a strong defense against potential identity theft and fraudulent credit applications.
