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Top 10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services & Companies (2023)

Daniel Blechynden
Best Identity Theft Protection Services & Companies

Identity theft is the leading form of fraud in the US, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting more than 650,000 cases per year. The number one form of identity theft is credit card fraud, meaning consumers should be extra vigilant when shopping online. 

Being careful with online purchases is becoming increasingly crucial, as we make more and more of our purchases from home than ever. This is a trend that is expected to continue deep into 2023. 

Luckily, ID theft protection services provide an affordable way to monitor online activity performed in your name, thereby catching ID theft before it can seriously affect you. 

Here’s a look at our Top 10 best ID theft protection services and companies of 2023.

Our Top 10 Best ID theft Protection Services & Companies in 2023:

  • Aura - Best identity theft protection company overall
  • LifeLock - Best for Norton antivirus users
  • Identity Guard - Best for full-spectrum protection
  • Zander Identity Theft - Best for people seeking to recover their identity
  • Norton - Best for anyone who has or wants Norton antivirus
  • myFICO - Best for whole-family protection
  • IdentityIQ - Best for dark web monitoring
  • IDShield - Best for Identity restoration and assistance
  • identitytheft.com - Best for those looking to protect their credit
  • MyCleanID - Best for ID theft and PC maintenance

The table below provides a quick comparison of the best ID theft protection services on the market today. You can compare the cost of each service, view user ratings and reviews, and check out the main features of each service to help you decide which is right for your needs. 

Compare the Best ID Theft Protection Services
1
Aura
2
LifeLock
3
Identity Guard
4
Zander Identity Theft
5
Norton
6
myFICO
7
IDShield
8
IdentityTheft.com
9
MyCleanID
10
Panda Security
Reviews166 reviews110 reviews150 reviews42 reviews41 reviews50 reviewsWrite Review42 reviews11 reviews30 reviews
Best for
Full suite of ID theft, financial fraud, and device protection tools
Norton antivirus users
Full-spectrum protection
People seeking to recover their identity
Anyone who has or wants Norton antivirus
Whole-family protection
Identity restoration and assistance
Those looking to protect their credit
ID theft and PC maintenance
VPN and torrent users
Starting price
$9/monthly or $108/year
$9.99
per month
$7.20/monthly or $79.99/year
per month
$6.75/month
$9.99/month
$19.95
per month
$14.95/month
N/A
$19.99
per month
$14.95
per month
Free trial
60-day money-back guarantee
60-day money-back guarantee
60-day money-back guarantee
30 days
Free 1-time diagnostic
30 days
3-bureau credit monitoring
N/A
Family package
N/A
Insurance coverage
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
$1 million
Mobile app
iOS, Android

In-Depth Reviews of Our Top ID Theft Protection Picks

  • 1
    Aura
    exceptional
    9.9
    • 60-day money-back guarantee
    • Full suite of ID theft, financial fraud, and device protection tools
    • $9/monthly or $108/year

    Aura offers an all-in-one digital security selection combining financial, identity, and device protection. It provides extensive monitoring of your information, including credit monitoring, financial transactions monitoring, dark web monitoring, and SSN and ID authentication monitoring. You get an instant alert any time there is a threat.

    Aside from alerts and notifications, Aura also offers recovery services via its 24/7 U.S.-based support team. Subscribers to the Ultimate plan receive immediate white-glove fraud resolution from a dedicated Aura agent any time a breach occurs. All plans include $1 million coverage against identity fraud.

    Pros
    • Full suite of tools to protect your identity and finances
    • 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plan
    • 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
    Cons
    • Fixed plans, no mixing, and matching
  • 2
    LifeLock

    LifeLock

    excellent
    9.3
    • 60-day money-back guarantee
    • Norton antivirus users
    • $9.99per month

    A product of anti-virus heavyweight Norton, LifeLock boasts the tech, accessibility, and ease that you’d expect from the industry-leading company. Most impressive are the plans themselves, which not only blend online security and ID theft protection but offer more flexibility than usual. 

    Lifelock’s plans include ID and Social Security number alerts and are offered in tandem with Norton’s 360 suite. This means that combo plans net you VPN services plus solid ID theft features like stolen funds reimbursement that ranges from $25,000 to $1 million dollars, bank account and credit card activity alerts, and even 401(k) investment account alerts on the Ultimate Plus plan. 

    LifeLock also offers LifeLock Junior, an affordable add-on for children under 18 that includes 

    Dark Web monitoring and file-sharing network searches. All plans include 24/7 live member support and the aide of US-based identity restoration specialists.

    Pros
    • Reimbursement up to $1 million
    • Antivirus and protection from cyber threats
    • 60-day money-back guarantee
    Cons
    • Only worth it if you want Norton 360
    • Pricing can be confusing
  • 3
    Identity Guard

    Identity Guard

    excellent
    9.0
    • Yes
    • Full-spectrum protection
    • $7.20/monthly or $79.99/yearper month

    Identity Guard’s marquee feature is the IBM Watson technology. This cutting-edge AI tool constantly scans billions of data points across the internet to pinpoint unusual activity, resulting in intelligent, 24/7 protection for families and individuals.  

    Watson may be Identity Guard’s most impressive feature, but it’s far from the only one. The company offers 3 solid packages that all include Dark Web monitoring, risk management reports, and anti-phishing apps, as well as some unique tools with the more extensive plans. The advanced package, for example, includes 3-bureau credit reports and a social insight report. Family plans notably include cyberbullying alerts for social media. 

    Pros
    • Monitors credit score with all 3 credit bureaus
    • Utilizes IBM’s Watson AI tech for optimal performance
    • $2,000 emergency cash fund
    Cons
    • No 24/7 customer service
    • 3-credit reporting only with premier plans
  • 4
    Zander Identity Theft

    Zander Identity Theft

    very good
    8.6
    • No
    • People seeking to recover their identity
    • $6.75/month

    The only identity theft protection service recommended by money-management expert Dave Ramsey, Zander Insurance, is a solid, affordable identity theft protection and restoration software option for those looking to stay secure on a budget. While the platform doesn't include credit monitoring, it does monitor personal information, such as Social Security, and offers among the most comprehensive array of identity recovery services on the market. Zander offers reimbursement of lost wages, financial losses, and expenses up to $1 million.

    Where Zander stands out is in the unfortunate event that your identity is stolen. You will be assigned a Recovery Advocate to guide you through the process of recovering your credit and identity. This representative will be available for up to three years to ensure that your identity is fully restored. Zander will notify all three major credit bureaus, medical institutions, creditors, and the IRS of the theft, and will monitor accounts for possible fraud so that you can get back to yourself quickly.

    Pros
    • Unlimited family plan
    • One of the most affordable options
    • Comprehensive recovery services, including lost wage coverage
    Cons
    • No credit monitoring
    • No free trial period
  • 5
    Norton
    excellent
    9.0
    • 60-day money-back guarantee
    • Anyone who has or wants Norton antivirus
    • $9.99/month

    Identity protection and restoration software, with continuous monitoring and alerts, 24/7 customer support, and online security. LifeLock is an identity theft protection product that delivers comprehensive identity monitoring, including credit, investment, and bank accounts, mobile and social media, public records, and more, depending on the plan you choose. The software can be installed on as many as five devices so that you will receive full protection across all of your systems. LifeLock also lets you add individual family members for an added monthly cost.

    If LifeLock finds anything suspicious during a scan, you’ll be notified immediately. In addition to real-time protection and up-to-date alerts, LifeLock’s real benefit is its coverage in case of identity theft. With up to $1 million in insurance, LifeLock offers a range of services to help recover your identity and undo any damage. Plus, with the software’s included Norton’s 360 suite, you’ll also be protected from cyberthreats.

    Pros
    • Includes Norton antivirus software
    • Offers 3-bureau credit monitoring
    • User-friendly mobile app
    Cons
    • No family plan available
    • Expensive compared to other services
  • 6
    myFICO
    very good
    8.7
    • No
    • Whole-family protection
    • $19.95per month

    MyFico offers a comprehensive view of your credit standing as well as a slew of alerts, tools, and services that will keep you one step ahead of bad actors. As the standard-bearer of credit scores used by the 3 major credit bureaus, it offers its own consumer-facing ID theft service with solid ID theft protection that combines frequent reporting and far-reaching monitoring. 

    MyFICO offers 3 packages with monthly or tri-monthly updates. All of them are backed by $1 million theft insurance and include 24/7 ID restoration, lost wallet protection, and 24/7 customer support. While the basic plan only offers reports from Experian, the 2 top-tier plans include coverage from all 3 bureaus as well as identity monitoring.

    Pros
    • Monthly and tri-monthly reports
    • Receive alerts through SMS, email, or mobile app
    • 24/7 customer support
    Cons
    • Basic plan only includes 1-bureau coverage
    • Minor limitations on some credit report data
  • 7
    IDShield

    IDShield

    very good
    8.6
    • 30 days
    • Identity restoration and assistance
    • $14.95/month

    IDShield offers four identity theft protection plans: an individual plan with 1-bureau or 3-bureau credit monitoring, or a family plan for you, your spouse/partner and up to 10 dependents with 1-bureau or 3-bureau credit monitoring. All plans automatically include a range of monitoring services such as dark web monitoring, bank account monitoring, and social media monitoring.

    While IDShield is a little more expensive than the average provider, this is justified by the fact that it offers unlimited restoration services and access to a team of in-house licensed private investigators. If you become the victim of identity theft, the investigators work to repair the damage and help you develop a plan to prevent future ID theft.

    Pros
    • Choice of family or individual plan
    • Unlimited restoration services
    • In-house licensed private investigators
    Cons
    • A little more expensive than competitors
    • Potential for alert and notification overload
  • 8
    IdentityTheft.com

    IdentityTheft.com

    very good
    8.6
    • Yes
    • Those looking to protect their credit
    • N/A

    IdentityTheft.com is a cloud-hosted identity theft protection service that offers around the clock credit monitoring. Although no pricing information is available on their website, IdentityTheft.com promises easy, low-cost credit monitoring to protect yourself against identity theft. Once you have finished signing up for the service, you can add any account that you want to be monitored, including social security, driver's license, credit, or medical. In the event that the service flags unusual activity on your account, you will receive an instant notification requesting your confirmation that this isn't theft.

    If your identity is stolen, IdentityTheft.com offers $1 million identity theft insurance for any damages and will send out fraud alerts until you can secure your accounts. Although IdentityTheft.com doesn't offer the same comprehensive guidance and identity restoration services as other providers, this is a good basic credit monitoring option that can save you time and ensure that you never miss an attempted breach on your accounts.

    Pros
    • Ability to add numerous accounts to be monitored
    • Continuous monitoring
    • Instant alerts of suspicious activity
    Cons
    • No pricing information available
    • No 24/7 customer support
  • 9
    MyCleanID

    MyCleanID

    good
    8.3
    • Free 1-time diagnostic
    • ID theft and PC maintenance
    • $19.99per month

    MyCleanID provides real-time protection with 3-bureau credit monitoring with up to a $1 million guarantee. The process is easy and within minutes of signing up you’ll receive access to your credit and FICO scores through a smart, clean dashboard that allows you to keep tabs on private info and alerts. 

    MyCleanID’s monitoring services offer comprehensive protection that extends beyond standard features to include telephone and driver’s license protection as well as PC protection via the service’s privacy management software. The last is a unique feature that performs a deep scan on your computer and allows you to erase usernames and passwords, and schedule regular cleanings. This combination of PC care and ID theft offers users the benefit of proaction and control that can prevent breaches and help each user sharpen their personal online habits.   

    MyCleanID only offers one plan, but it’s relatively extensive and includes 24/7 live support.

    Pros
    • Up to $2,000 lost wallet protection
    • Unique PC protection software fosters proactive online safety
    • 24/7 US-based support
    Cons
    • Need to pay 1-time activation fee
    • Only 1 plan available
  • 10
    Panda Security

    Panda Security

    very good
    8.6
    • 30 days
    • VPN and torrent users
    • $14.95per month

    A well-known company amongst internet security enthusiasts, Panda offers an ID theft service that fits right into its suite of VPNs and antivirus software. 

    Panda has its sign-up process down to a science, and unlike others in the field, its ID theft monitoring begins the instant you’re signed up. You’ll receive fraud monitoring with rapid smart alerts if your financial info or credit card details are are sold online. Panda also offers SSN tracking as well as bank and credit card activity checks on withdrawals or transfers that exceed amounts you can set yourself. 

    Panda offers an admirable customer service policy with multiple avenues of communication. Customers have access to a 24/7 premium support line as well as chat and email. There’s also online contact forms and active resources on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Pros
    • Monitoring begins immediately after signing up
    • Customized alerts and notifications
    • Strong customer support teams
    Cons
    • Only 1 plan available
    • May conflict with security software from other providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better LifeLock or Identity Guard?+-

LifeLock and Identity Guard are both leading providers of ID theft services and may appeal to different people with different needs. Identity Guard currently has the better deal and compares favorably with the more expensive LifeLock, with 3-bureau credit monitoring and an AI-backed network.

Are identity theft protection services worth it?+-

Identity theft is a growing problem in the US and ID theft protection can be one of the best safeguards against it. Those who have been victims already are especially at risk, and those who do lots of banking or conduct other sensitive transactions online may benefit from added protection.

How many times has LifeLock been hacked?+-

LifeLock's CEO has allegedly been hacked more than a dozen times, including after a publicity stunt in which he publicly shared his social security number as a testament to the strength of his company's security prowess.

What’s the difference between identity theft protection and monitoring services?+-

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, identity theft protection and credit monitoring are quite different. ID theft protection tools monitor multiple sources, including your credit score, the Dark Web, and various other components, for evidence of fraudulent activity. Credit monitoring services, on the other hand, are solely designed to monitor your credit score and notify you if it changes unexpectedly.

What should I do if my identity is stolen?+-

If your identity is stolen, the first step is to report it to the FTC, online or by phone. Based on your circumstances, you may be required to file a police report. You will also need to contact companies to let them know your information has been used fraudulently.

Why is identity theft insurance important?+-

Identify theft insurance is designed to cover any costs incurred when your ID is stolen. This includes paying for a credit report, replacing identification, and covering legal fees if you need to go to court. Without some form of insurance, you will need to pay these costs out of pocket, and they can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Is credit monitoring a good idea?+-

Yes, credit monitoring is a great idea if you’re worried about fraud, identity theft, or anything related to these. With a decent credit monitoring service, you will be alerted immediately to unexpected changes to your credit score, fraudulent transactions, and more.

What should you do if you experience identity theft?+-

The first thing anyone who experiences identity theft should do is report it to the FTC. This can be done over the phone or online, and you may be asked for additional information. You can also contact the police, any companies or organizations where the fraud has occurred, and your bank. You should also freeze your credit report and contact your identity theft insurance provider if you have one.

Do the police investigate identity theft?+-

Identity theft is a serious matter that will always be investigated by the relevant authorities. This can include the police, especially if you make a direct report to your local authorities. However, it’s more often dealt with by federal investigative agencies such as the FBI.

What Is Identity Theft Protection?

In broad terms, identity theft protection services are designed to prevent your sensitive personal information from being stolen and used for malicious purposes. There are numerous different types of identity theft protection, and you will find that many service providers offer tiered protection with different levels of coverage. 

Most ID theft protection services include identity and/or credit monitoring, which are designed to detect suspicious activity in real time. Many also come with some form of insurance to cover costs if an issue does occur, along with tools to help you resolve ID theft issues and recover your ID.

How Does Identity Theft Happen? 

In the modern world, most identity theft occurs via the internet when consumers don’t implement appropriate cybersecurity measures. Outdated or absent antivirus programs or a weak password can provide an opening for criminals to steal your personal information. 

For example, phishing scams are often used to steal passwords and other personal information. This is where an imitation website is created and used solely for the purpose of gathering these details. Once you’ve entered your login, you will often be redirected to the website you thought you were on, leaving many people none the wiser. 

Some hackers will also break into your device directly by planting a virus or using remote desktop software. Others will force access to your accounts or information using malicious techniques. Personal information can also be stolen through a data breach from a company or other organization with your details on record. 

Using this information, criminals can do anything from applying for a loan in your name and disappearing with the money to emptying your bank accounts. Many criminals also sell ID information on the Dark Web and on other criminal forums. 

Act immediately if you suspect you’re the victim of ID theft, or else you may suffer much more serious consequences than stolen information. 

Why Is Identity Theft Protection Important to Have? 

It’s a good idea to use some sort of identity theft protection service to protect you if your information were to be used for fraudulent activity. Most services come with real-time credit and identity monitoring, enabling you to protect your identity and place an immediate credit freeze if an issue is detected. 

How Does Identity Theft Protection Work? 

Most identity theft protection services work by offering real-time monitoring and alerting you if suspicious activity is detected. Some of the things that are monitored include the Dark Web, social media accounts, Social Security numbers, and credit card transactions. 

The best ID theft protection services on the market utilize unique data and advanced technologies to monitor credit card transactions, the Dark Web, social media, and more. Their goal is to immediately detect when your information is stolen, offered for sale, or used fraudulently, in order to mitigate the damage of ID attacks as much as possible. 

Once you are alerted about an attack, these services will help restore your identity, reimburse you for stolen funds, and offer expert support around the clock. 

Here are some features and capabilities offered by the best ID protection services on the market today:

Monitor & Detect
Alert
Restore
Credit card transactions
Detect changes in your credit score
Identity restoration specialists
Dark Web
Be alerted when your information is stolen or offered for sale
Up to $1M reimbursement of stolen funds
Social media
Learn of social media activity using your name or photos
Coverage for lawyers and experts
Court recordings & bookings
Learn of crimes reported in your name
Lost wallet protection
The US Postal Service
Know if your mail has been redirected
24/7 member support
SSN
Find out about addresses associated with your Social Security number

Banks
Detect attempts to take over your account or loans taken in your name

Sex offenders
Learn if an offender moves into your neighborhood

Driver’s license
Learn if someone uses your driver’s license fraudulently

How to Prevent Identity Theft? 

Subscribing to an identity theft protection service doesn’t stop your personal information from being stolen, but instead enables you to take action immediately if theft or fraud is detected. Everything from your credit files and social media accounts to the Dark Web is monitored for signs of criminal activity. 

Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to actually prevent identity theft from occurring in the first place. These include the following: 

Checking your financial accounts regularly: It’s a good idea to glance over your credit card statements and bank accounts as often as possible to check for any signs of suspicious or unrecognized activity. 

Using strong, unique passwords: This has two functions—to make it difficult for criminals to guess your password and to limit the damage if one of your passwords does get leaked or stolen. 

Installing modern antivirus software: Many malicious players will attempt to install malware on your device to steal your personal information or to provide them with remote access. Using a reliable antivirus program can help reduce the risk of this happening.

Keeping physical information secure: A few things need to be mentioned here. For one, make sure your mail is delivered to a secure location or locked mailbox. Similarly, ensure all personal documents are shredded before disposal so they can’t be stolen from your trash. 

Do I Need an Identity Theft Protection Service?

Ultimately, this comes down to personal choice. Do you want to pay a small fee to be covered if you fall victim to identity theft? Or would you prefer to take the risk? 

We’d certainly prefer the former. 

Identity theft protection services are great because they act to protect your finances and identity from criminals and others with malicious intent. However, it’s important to remember that they don’t prevent identity theft. 

Is an ID Theft Protection Tool Worth the Investment? 

As people across the US, and worldwide, spend more and more time using their phones and computers, the risk of digital ID theft continues to rise. If you want to add an extra layer of security to your life and reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft, we’d suggest spending a few dollars per month on an ID theft protection service. 

It’s worth noting that people who have already been the victim of ID theft have a higher risk of falling victim a subsequent time. Individuals who conduct sensitive transactions online can also benefit more than the average person from ID theft protection. 

What Types of Identity Theft Protection Services Are Out There?

Different identity theft protection services offer different features and different levels of protection. Some, like credit report monitoring, are basic and don’t provide full coverage. Others are more comprehensive (but often more expensive). 

Credit report monitoring: On the simplest level sits credit report monitoring services, which essentially provide real-time monitoring of your credit report. You will be notified of any changes, including loan applications or new bank accounts opened in your name. 

Identity monitoring: More comprehensive identity monitoring is designed to monitor various sources for leaked or stolen personal information that could be used by criminals. These include the Dark Web, normal websites, and various databases. 

Identity recovery: Decent identity recovery services (which usually come as part of an ID theft protection package) can make it much easier to reverse the damage caused by ID theft. Some companies provide professional assistance, so you can basically sit back and let experts take care of it. 

Identity theft insurance: Last but not least, it’s worth paying attention to the type and level of insurance coverage included with your identity theft protection service. Some provide a high level of coverage, protecting you if you’re the victim of a financial crime or out-of-pocket because of ID theft. 

Other Types of Identity Theft Protection Services

Tax-Related ID Protection

People who illegally obtain personal information such as a Social Security number can file fraudulent tax returns to the IRS. As a result of increasing tax-related ID theft, the IRS partnered with representatives from tax firms, payroll processors, and state tax administrators to address the problem. Efforts include awareness campaigns to keep civilians informed and up-to-date with best practices.

Americans are advised to keep their Social Security cards in safe locations, use security software and strong passwords when submitting sensitive personal information online, and always securing their tax records.  

Medical ID Protection

A less-common but no-less severe form of ID theft, medical ID theft occurs when your personal information is used to procure medical services or medication. Though information can be sold and acquired on the Dark Web to be used by complete strangers, other instances of medical theft have occurred with medical providers submitting excessive or even fabricated claims to insurance providers. 

For that reason, the standard practices of guarding your information and protecting your information online may not be enough, and experts also recommend checking your health insurance records once a year for possible discrepancies. 

Common Types of Identity Theft Scams

Criminals run various scams that are designed for the sole purpose of stealing your identity or personal information. However, not all identity theft cases involve modern technology. Phone scams and physical information theft are still rampant. 

Phishing: Phishing scams are centered on criminals impersonating a legitimate company or organization. Most phishing scams involve an email or text message from what looks like a legitimate company, such as your bank. They usually encourage some sort of urgent action, such as updating your details or payment information. Of course, when you enter these, they are promptly stolen. 

Hacking and data breaches: Unfortunately, everyone is at risk of ID theft, even when using the most up-to-date cybersecurity measures. Hackers use various techniques to gain access to devices or company databases, enabling them to steal vast amounts of personal information. 

Formjacking: In some cases, criminals target unsecured websites, inserting malicious code that’s designed to help them steal your password and other information. This is often done using forms, and when it’s done well, the hacker can easily remain undetected. 

Physical theft: Although it’s not as common as it was in the past, physical ID theft remains a major issue. This can occur in an array of ways, including the obvious theft of a purse or wallet, mail theft, or dumpster diving—which thieves engage in with the hope of finding items like bank statements or other documents containing sensitive information. 

Other Kinds of Identity Theft

Along with the standard types of identity theft described above, there are a few other, less common occurrences that you should be aware of. 

Tax-related identity theft: Stolen information such as Social Security numbers can enable criminals to file fraudulent tax returns to the IRS. Various departments work hard to minimize the risk of this happening, but it’s still worth securing your Social Security cards and tax records. 

Medical identity theft: Medical ID theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to procure medical services or make fabricated insurance claims. However, it’s relatively uncommon. 

Child identity theft: Some scammers steal children’s identities so they can open bank accounts, apply for loans, and more. 

Synthetic identity theft: This is a little different and involves the use of real (and usually stolen) information in conjunction with fake data to make a completely falsified ID. 

What Are Some Common Signs of Identity Theft? 

A few things to look out for:

1. Financial discrepancies: One of the first red flags signaling identity theft is discrepancies or unauthorized transactions on your credit card or bank records. 

2. Your mail is going missing: A common tactic used by criminals is to change a victim’s mailing address so they can access it themselves. 

3. Debt collectors contact you: If someone has been using your identity to take out loans and credit cards, but has failed to make their payments, you may find debt collectors chasing you for debts you didn’t know you had. 

4. Your medical records don’t add up: Some criminals will use your personal information to access medical treatment. If your benefits don’t add up or you receive an unexpected medical bill, you may be a victim of identity theft. 

5. Your information is exposed in a data breach: Data breaches are surprisingly common, and they often lead to a wealth of personal information being exposed and/or sold on the Dark Web. This could lead to you becoming a victim of ID theft. 

How Can I Find Out If Someone Is Using My Identity 

If you suspect someone is using your identity, there are a few things you should do. For starters, review your bank account and credit card statements for signs of unauthorized transactions or similar issues. 

You can also request a credit report if your credit score has changed unexpectedly, which could be a sign of someone using your ID for fraudulent loans or something similar. 

How to Report Identity Theft

Identity theft should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can be done via phone or online, and it's important to provide as much information as possible. 

It’s also a good idea to contact your bank, credit card provider, and any other organization that may have been impacted by fraudulent activity conducted in your name. It’s also often recommended to contact one or more of the three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—to place a fraud alert and/or request a credit freeze if necessary. 

You can also file a police report. To do so, you will need your ID, proof of your address, your FTC identity theft report, and whatever proof you have that ID theft has occurred. 

How to Choose the Right Identity Theft Protection Service

Every identity theft protection service on this list is a great option, but they aren’t all suited to everyone’s needs. The first thing you need to think about is your budget, so you can eliminate expensive options immediately. 

You should also consider your requirements. Do you want credit monitoring or complete identity monitoring? What level of insurance do you require? Does the service offer professional assistance if you suffer from ID theft? 

Once you’ve thought about these questions, you should be pretty well equipped to make an informed decision. Remember, many providers offer a free trial that enables you to test their services without paying. 

Identity Theft Is on the Rise

According to recent reports, identity theft is becoming an increasingly concerning problem. Credit card, loan, and benefits fraud are very common, and the FTC received more than 1.4 million ID theft reports in 2021. 

This can largely be attributed to the increasing digitization of our lives, which has led to numerous data breaches in recent times. These have exposed the details of countless people, enabling criminals and ID thieves to take advantage of them. 

Our Methodology: How We Rated the Best Identity Theft Protection Services

There are countless identity theft protection services out there, and it can be very difficult to choose the right or most appropriate one. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve reviewed countless providers to bring you a comprehensive list, and each service that made the cut is worth considering. 

To start with, we review a company’s level of service. The complete package should include identity and credit monitoring services, identity restoration services (to help you if you do fall victim to ID theft), and some cybersecurity tools to prevent online data theft. 

We also pay careful attention to a company's reputation, looking at factors such as past customer reviews and their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. This is a crucial factor to consider, as some companies put on a good face but fail to live up to their promises. 

Other Identity Theft Protection Services We Reviewed

Beyond the Identity Theft protections services discussed above, we've also done our due diligence and researched more brands you may be interested in. Check out this list of identity theft services to get a better idea about more price plans, types of reports, and features across the board:

Bottom Line

Using one of the best identity theft protection services to protect your identity is a great way to reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud or other criminal activity. It’s usually worth using a service that includes credit monitoring, as this will reduce the risk of you falling victim to financial fraud. 

Every option on this list is worth considering. Make sure you choose carefully, paying attention to your needs, budget, and the features on offer before you sign up for an identity theft protection service. 

Daniel Blechynden
Contributing to many popular websites, Daniel’s writing focuses on technology, science, and dependable reviews. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Marine Science from the University of Western Australia and has been a regular critic of software, web hosting, website builders, and a variety of other tech products and services for several years, leaning on his academic background for rigor in research and writing.