Would you like to know where to get identity theft protection? This particular topic has gradually become a hot topic in recent times.
It has become necessary to talk about it and seek help as identity theft is gradually becoming a norm, and it often leaves its victims battling with the aftermath for quite some time.
Identity theft has become rampant with the increase in technology in modern society, thus the need to protect oneself against identity theft.
Depending on the level of protection you may want, or rather, the level you require constantly, several services and providers can help.
This article will assist you in understanding where to get the identity theft protection services, what features should be considered, and the leading companies in the industry.
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Now, let’s get started.
Why Is Identity Theft Protection Important?
Because of identity theft, people lose their hard-earned money, their credit score reduces, and it takes a very long time to get a clean bill of health again.
Identity theft protection services provide features such as scanning, notification, and assistance in case of personal information theft.
If you purchase such services, you get an early warning of any dangers and are thus able to manage risks well.
What Are The Features To Look For In Identity Theft Protection Services?
Before you go with a provider, it is essential to understand the critical features that a good identity theft protection service should offer.
We will discuss some of those key features below:
Credit Monitoring: Check your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union to identify any fraudulent credit card activity or new credit accounts established in your name.
Identity Monitoring: Monitoring the deep and dark web and other places where your identity, including Social Security numbers, addresses, bank account details, etc., may be exposed.
Alerts And Notifications: Alerts as soon as anything out of the norm is observed to enable you to take necessary action to protect your identity.
Identity Restoration: Help you recover your identity if it has been stolen and advocate with credit reporting agencies or banking institutions on your behalf.
Insurance Coverage: Compensation for some of the expenses the victim might have incurred while reclaiming their identity, including legal fees and lost wages.
Additional Features: Extra elements that can be provided are social media monitoring, VPN for safe internet, password management, etc.
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Who Are The Top Providers Of Identity Theft Protection
Here are some of the top providers where you can get identity theft protection, each offering a range of features and pricing plans.
Our picks below are some of the very best that offer some of the features we outlined above and even more:
- 1. LifeLock By Norton
LifeLock is among the most prevalent identity theft protection services. It has well-developed protection plans that are diverse in the features they can provide.
Features: The services are credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, SSN and identity alerts, identity restoration, and insurance.
Cost: The prices begin from $9. It costs $99 monthly and can reach up to $29.99 with different protection levels and add-on features.
- 2. IdentityForce
This service provider, IdentityForce, provides comprehensive identity theft protection with enhanced monitoring and restoration capabilities.
Features: Credit monitoring, identity monitoring, SSN tracking, dark web monitoring, alerts, identity restoration, insurance.
Cost: They start from as low as $17.99 to $23.99 per month.
- 3. Experian IdentityWorks
Experian, one of the three credit bureaus, has its identity theft protection tool called IdentityWorks.
Features: Credit and identity tracking, identity and dark web scanning, notifications, identity recovery, and insurance.
Cost: Pricing begins at $9. $99 for basic coverage and up to $19. $9.99 per month for advanced protection.
- 4. IdentityGuard
It employs the latest artificial intelligence to offer identity protection services.
Features: Credit tracking, identity protection, tracking of SSN, report on risk management, notification, identity recovery, and insurance.
Cost: Plans start at $8.99 to $29.99 per month.
- 5. McAfee Identity Theft Protection
Another renowned security company, McAfee, also provides identity theft protection as a part of its security services.
Features: Credit monitoring, Identity monitoring, SSN tracking, Dark web monitoring, Alerts, Identity restoration, and Insurance.
Cost: Pricing for plans begins at $34. It costs $99 annually for essential protection and may cost up to $229. They cost 99 dollars per year for premium coverage.
As with the prices of goods and services, the prices quoted above might change. It can go either lower or higher depending on when you intend to subscribe to them.
Another factor is that the companies above might be on a promo and offer something less. Use the above prices as a guide and contact the providers for specific details.
How Do You Select The Exemplary Identity Theft Protection Service?
When choosing an exemplary identity theft protection service, do your due diligence. Ensure to compare your selected providers against the factors outlined below:
1. Coverage And Features: The service includes credit report tracking, identity tracking, and identity repair.
2. Price: Check out the different offered packages and decide which one you would be willing to pay for the needed coverage.
3. Reputation: You should find recommendations and feedback from other people to determine the efficiency of the service.
4. Customer Support: Effective customer support is essential in handling any problems as they arise so that clients are not inconvenienced. This should be one of the most critical factors before settling for a provider.
5. Additional Services: Some providers may include additional services such as VPN, password management, and social media monitoring. Be on the lookout for them and how they might benefit you.
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Do Banks Offer Identity Theft Protection?
The incidences of identity theft and fraud also make banks shift towards adopting protective measures for their customers.
Consequently, many banks provide identity theft protection services in-house or outsource to other companies specializing in identity protection services.
- Bank-Provided Services:
Some banks have come up with their own identity theft protection services.
Some of these services may include regular tracking of your bank accounts to check for fraudulent activities, notifying you when there are unusual transactions on your accounts, and aiding in the recovery process when your identity is stolen.
For instance, some large-scale banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo provide their customers with improved comprehensive fraud check and warning services as added account features.
- Partnerships With Identity Protection Companies
Some banks rely on third-party identity theft protection service providers to provide customer solutions.
Such partnerships enable the banks to offer additional services like credit monitoring, scanning of the dark web, and identity restoration services.
For instance, Citibank cooperates with Experian to provide account holders with identity protection products.
- Benefits Of Bank-Provided Protection:
Having identity theft protection services your bank provides may be helpful as they work with your accounts.
These services are sometimes offered at a cheaper price or are part of the higher end of the bank’s packages.
In addition, protection services can complement the existing security in the banks since they already possess efficient security measures.
- Limitations:
Although having an identity theft protection service from the bank has advantages, certain features may be needed compared to the specific identity protection service providers.
Thus, assessing the peculiarities and range of your bank’s services is helpful.
Banks might provide identity theft protection in-house or through a third party.
Some of these services can also give protection against fraud and identity theft; however, you are advised to look at the features and what is offered against those offered by identity protection providers to ensure that you are fully protected.
Can Someone Steal Your Identity Through Your Bank Account?
Yes, if proper measures are not in place, someone can steal your identity through your bank account, and in such cases, the consequences can be mild or even severe.
This kind of theft through bank accounts often occurs when cybercriminals somehow manage to gain unauthorized access to information that pertains to your account.
Below are ways through which it can happen and what the likely impact can be
Methods Of Identity Theft
Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals pretend to be someone that you trust, such as your bank, and send you a link to click, which leads to providing your account number /PIN.
These attacks may come from a trusted site or your bank and may ask for further information.
Hacking: Their methods include hacking into the bank systems or an individual’s device to get the login details.
They can steal your identity and actual and financial information when they gain access.
Skimming: Removable hardware-such as card skimmers-are attached to ATMs or POS systems to record card details and PINs.
These details are then used to gain entry into your bank account.
Social Engineering: In this type of crime, the offender uses emotions to coax their target into revealing sensitive details. This may happen through phone calls, e-meetings, conferences, or personal meetings.
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Consequences Of Bank Account Identity Theft
Financial Loss: Fraudsters can transact, spend, or create other accounts on your behalf, resulting in high losses from your account.
Damaged Credit: Fraudulent transactions and fake accounts created in your name may also affect your credit score, reducing your chances of receiving a loan or credit.
Emotional Distress: In defending yourself against identity theft, you feel a great deal of stress and anxiety having to sort things out to have your identity back.
- Prevention Tips
Monitor Your Accounts: It is also essential to monitor the bank statements and credit reports frequently to note any fraudulent activities.
Secure Personal Information: Choose a long and unique password and apply two-factor authentication while using online banking services.
Be Cautious of Phishing: You should always ensure the information coming through the email or any other text message is genuine before responding to it, especially if the message is financial.
Bank accounts identity theft is dangerous and can bring financial and emotional distress to victims.
Studying the techniques and being prepared to shield your details from unauthorized access will save you from being a bank account identity theft target.
How Do I Find Out Who Stole My Identity?
Identifying the person who stole your identity is another task that might be daunting and time-consuming. All the same, we would work you through methods that would aid you in the process
- 1. Monitor Your Credit Reports:
Examine your credit reports thoroughly from each of the three major credit bureaus. First, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
It would help if you searched for strange accounts, inquiries, or addresses that may contain some information about security violations.
- 2. Check Financial Statements:
Examine your credit card and bank statements, looking for anything unusual. Fraudulent access or spending can help to identify how and where your personal information may be utilized.
- 3. File A Police Report:
Yes, call your local police department and report the identity theft. The more information you give the police, the better they can investigate the crime.
The police report may be required, so a copy should be secured.
- 4. Contact The Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
Visit FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and file a complaint. They can help you learn how to reclaim your identity and protect yourself from further incidents.
- 5. Use Identity Theft Protection Services:
Consider considering signing up for an ID theft protection program. These services can track your data, notify you about changes, and help in the restoration process.
- 6. Investigate With Professional Help:
Consider consulting with a private investigator or a forensic accountant if the theft leads to more extensive financial loss or involves sophisticated fraudulent activities.
They can track the theft and perhaps the thief or suspect.
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Final Thought
Identity theft is a serious problem nowadays, but if you use an appropriate protection service, the chances of your identity being stolen will be lower, and your private data will be safe.
McAfee offers LifeLock, IdentityForce, Experian IdentityWorks, IdentityGuard, and Some of the most excellent services for preventing identity theft.
Ensure that features, available options, pricing, and customer reviews are considered before you select the most suitable service to protect your identity.
Do not let your identity be stolen in the first place before you take action. Get an identity theft protection plan today and sleep soundly, realizing your identity is safe.