‘Why would anyone want to steal my identity?’ It’s a common question when talking about identity theft, but it’s more about what culprits can do with your identity than it is about them stealing what you have. For this reason, anyone is a potential victim, which explains why the identity theft protection industry is flourishing. Since 2009, California-based IdentityIQ services have been monitoring for many of the telltale signs of identity theft and then sending its users alerts whenever suspicious activity is detected. When it does, the user is notified and IdentityIQ experts can help guide the victim through the recovery process. There aren’t any free trials available to test IdentityIQ services out for yourself, but prices start at just $7.49 with a variety of plans to choose from.
After deciding which tier of IdentityIQ is right for you, getting started is a very simple process. Naturally, you’ll need to have all the necessary details on hand when setting up. Besides basic personal information like name, address, and phone number, you’ll also have to input your credit card details and Social Security number. After that, you’re good to go. Right now, IdentityIQ services are only available for U.S. citizens.
Monitoring & alerts
One of the most important indicators of identity theft is a sudden change in your credit score. IdentityIQ services monitor your credit report and scores with the three credit bureaus for issues, but only if you select the Secure Pro or Secure Max package. How often these checks are made depends on which package you’ve subscribed to. The Secure Max package provides monthly reports, whereas the Secure Plus subscription reports annually. There’s also a credit score simulator so you can see what might affect your credit score in the future.
IdentityIQ services go further than just keeping track of your credit scores. The service also tracks financial irregularities, like when your bank or retail card exceeds its limit, or when there are any changes to the card’s authorized users. IdentityIQ services also provide support for you in case your bank card is lost or stolen.
Data breaches are responsible for many people’s accounts becoming compromised. Even having the world’s strongest password is pointless if the service you’re using gets hacked. Often, all the data from these breaches makes its way onto the dark web and is easily accessible by any potential fraudster. IdentityIQ services monitor the dark web for appearances of your personal details so you can react quickly in the event anything is discovered there. While the IdentityIQ website is mobile-friendly, one thing we would like to see in the future would be a dedicated mobile app for sending out alerts.
Recovery
What happens if, despite all your precautions, there’s still a security breach and your identity is at risk. How can IdentityIQ services help? Well, the first thing you’ll have to do is call the IdentityIQ specialists, who can help guide you through the next steps. Support isn’t available 24/7, but the dedicated IdentityIQ U.S.-based case manager can guide you through the full process.
IdentityIQ services offer the industry-standard $1 million identity theft insurance policy, underwritten by AIG. All insurance claims are handled by a third-party insurance service that your IdentityIQ case manager will connect you with, and from that point on you’ll deal directly with them in case of any issues. If you’ve subscribed to the Secure Max plan, you’ll also have access to family protection, restoration, and insurance. This means that your children, who are also susceptible to becoming victims of identity theft, will have up to $25,000 in identity theft insurance, with the caveat that they’re under 24 and still live at the same residence as the account holder.
Specialized care
IdentityIQ services are aimed primarily at individuals, so there is no specialized care for businesses. That being said, if you’ve chosen the Secure Max package then you will receive extra coverage for your family. Secure Max covers any children up to the age of 24 living in the account holder’s house for up to $25,000 – also underwritten by AIG. They’ll also provide fraud restoration services, so your family can recover quickly.
It’s worth taking the time to thoroughly examine the IdentityIQ pricing plan, as each tier differs greatly in the number of features it offers. The most cost-effective way to enjoy IdentityIQ services’ protection is through the Secure Plus plan, which costs just $7.49 per month, billed annually. Secure Plus still provides dark web monitoring and up to $1 million identity theft insurance. However, Secure Plus only has monitoring from one of the three major bureaus. If you want to upgrade to all three bureaus, you’ll have to go for either the Secure Pro or Secure Max plan, at $14.99 and $22.49 per month for annual subscriptions. Indeed, families will be better off selecting the pricier Secure Max plan as it’s the only IdentityIQ subscription that includes family protection.
It’s difficult to get a true feel for how IdentityIQ services work without putting money down first, as there are no free trials or free versions available. However, IdentityIQ services allow you to cancel your membership at any time if you’re dissatisfied, so you can try it out for a month risk-free.
Daniel C.
Inês P.
User reviews