Millions of Americans' identity is stolen every year. The theft may go unnoticed for months--enough time for serious financial damage. Once the breach is discovered, it can take hundreds of hours and dollars to restore your creditworthiness and reputation. In some cases, it can take years to get everything straightened out. There are several companies that will, for a fee, monitor credit reports to guard against identity theft.
myFICO
Internet firm myFICO offers a service called IDFreeze, which not only monitors credit reports and alerts users of suspicious activity, but also monitors medical benefits and Social Security number usage, and protects your computer against spyware. Spyware is loaded on your computer by various Internet sites; its purpose is to collect personal data. Protecting against spyware can, in turn, protect against identity theft. IDFreeze can be tried out for free for 30 days with no obligation.
myFICO
800-319-4433
myfico.com
LifeLock
LifeLock monitors online activities done in the subscriber's name, arrests in which the criminal used an alias that matched the subscriber's name and birthdate, credit reports and more. The company offers a $1 million guarantee if the system fails to protect a subscriber's identity as claimed. LifeLock also assists subscribers when a wallet is lost, which involves such tasks as calling credit card companies and banks to close accounts and obtain new credentials, and reporting and replacing driver's licenses and other identification. Monthly prices are very reasonable and if paid in full annually, even lower.
LifeLock
800-543-3562
lifelock.com
IDWatchdog
IDWatchdog scans thousands of databases and all three credit-reporting companies to protect subscribers' identities. If a customer does become a victim of identity theft, IDWatchdog works closely with the customer to remove fraudulent activities from credit reports and other financial data. Customers receive monthly reports detailing any activity found in the scanned databases and credit reports. Suspicious activity triggers an automatic snapshot of the customer's reports, and resolution services are begun immediately. The company also will conduct a test that will determine your risk of identity theft.
IDWatchdog
800-774-3772
idwatchdog.com
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