Protecting Your Documents & Your Identity

A couple weeks before Christmas, I was shopping when I got a phone call from a credit card company. I was a little annoyed as the caller stated who they were and where they were calling from, thinking to myself that I wasn't in the mood for a telemarketing call while dodging traffic and crowds all while on a time crunch. But as the caller kept talking, I realized this wasn't a telemarketing call at all.

I own one credit card that I use only to buy gas because it gets me so many cents off per gallon and coupons at our local supermarket. Apparently, that credit card information had been stolen and my card number was used earlier that day to buy almost $500 worth of various items including electronics and a Match.com membership. Luckily, the credit card company flagged the purchases before they got too out of hand and denied four more after that. They were calling to verify that the purchases made were not mine. They definitely were not.

Thankfully, everything worked out just fine. I got a new card and all the illegal purchases were credited to my account with no interest, late fees, or any other issues. But that got me thinking about how terrible the situation could have been and I decided it was time to research some of the identity theft protection plans out there on the market. I'm not being paid or rewarded by any of these companies. In fact, they don't even know I exist at this point. But I figured if I was going to spend the time doing the research, I might as well share the info with you in case you're looking for this option as you get organized in the New Year.

1. LifeLock

LifeLock offers a five point protection plan. First, they monitor your credit and contact the major credit bureaus to get your name off the pre-approved credit offers list. Second, they monitor your personal info for new credit and non-credit applications and address changes. They also monitor known criminal websites for illegal selling of your personal information. For an upgraded fee, they will even scan for new checking and savings accounts being opened in your name. Third, they contact you any time they detect a threat, something as small as a change to the contact info on your bank accounts. And if your wallet gets stolen, they'll help do the leg work to cancel your accounts and replace its contents. Fourth, they back up their protection with a $1 million guarantee. If you do become a victim of identity theft while a LifeLock member, they will spend up to $1 million to do whatever it takes to remedy the situation. Identity theft insurance is included with a zero dollar deductible that reimburses you for fraudulent withdrawals, lost wages, document replacement fees, and other out of pocket expenses. Last, they track your monthly credit score so you are up to date with any changes and you get annual credit scores for all three major bureaus.

Credit Score Managment is available for $14.95 a month or $165 a year. LifeLock Identity Theft Protection is available for $10 a month or $110.00 a year. You can also upgrade to LifeLock Ultimate for $25 a month or $275.00 a year. Each family member must have an individual enrollment to be covered.

2. Identity Force

Identity Force offers monitoring of change of address info, court records, credit reports, identity, payday loans, proactive credit, and sex offender records. You get instant online access to your credit reports from all three major bureaus; help opting out of the most frequently used junk mail databases; and online privacy tools like anti-phishing and anti-keylogging software. Restoration services are available in the event of a theft. Specialists can be reached 24/7. Lost wallet assistance is also an option allowing you to cancel and replace credit, debit, and ATM cards quickly if necessary.

Two plans are available. The first is called UltraSecure and is $17.95 a month or $179.95 per year. It comes with a 14 day free trial. The second is called UltraSecure + Credit and is $23.95 a month or $239.50 per year. The difference is that UltraSecure + Credit offers you everything the UltraSecure package does but adds in the daily credit monitoring, 3 bureau credit reports and scores and a monthly credit score tracker.

3. Identity Guard

Similar to the first two companies, Identity Guard offers credit monitoring, identity monitoring, and monitoring of public records. You are able to view your credit report and score by logging in to your Identity Dashboard anytime. You can select e-mail, text, or phone as your preferred method of contact so you're sure to get alerts as soon as they are issued. They also offer a Mobile App. Internet protection is covered by a software package providing Anti-virus, password protection, and keystroke encryption.

They provide personal recovery assistants to help with recovery if necessary, though the site doesn't state 24/7 availability. Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance is included along with lost wallet protection. The lost wallet protection includes helping you access up to $2000 from one of your accounts while your cards are being replaced.

There are three plans available. Essentials is offered at $9.99 per month and includes SSN monitoring, ID verification alerts, and up to $1 million identity theft insurance. Total Protection comes in at $19.99 per month and adds Public Record Monitoring, the software package, quarterly 3 credit score and 3 bureau credit reports updates. Last, the Platinum program is available for $24.99 a month offering all of the benefits of the Essentials and Total Protection Plan plus monthly 3 credit score and 3 bureau credit report updates.

4. Zander Insurance

I remembered hearing Dave Ramsey talk about identity theft protection at one time and I decided to quick visit his website to see if I could find any more information. Now I understand that not everyone agrees with Mr. Ramsey nor follows his plans/ideas/advice, etc but I found a great deal on Identity Theft protection through his site. He recommends Zander Insurance group for all of your insurance needs. I confess, I don't use Zander for any of our insurance needs but they have a good identity theft package available.

There is an individual plan available for $75.00 per year or $6.75 per month and a family plan available for $145.00 per year or $12.90 per month. Both plans provide $1 million reimbursement protection, unlimited recovery services, 100% recovery success, prevention services and support, and electronic stolen fund transfer protection. It also includes access to free credit reports, the Do Not Call registry, junk mail opt out programs, and credit report reminders three times per year. 

So many options to pick from. If you're thinking of getting some form of identity theft protection for you and/or your family, be sure to do more research into each company to see which one fits your needs best. Also, check with your homeowner's insurance provider to see if they offer some form of this coverage as well.

If you have some form of identity theft protection, I’d love to hear what company you are using and if you’re satisfied with their services!