Best Family Identity Theft Protection Services of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
To get a better feel for what these services for families have in common, check out this table. It will also point out where these brands differ and how one of them might stand out according to someone’s personal needs.
Credit Monitoring | Dark Web Surveillance | Family Plan | Free Trial | Insurance Coverage | Money-Back Guarantee | Monthly Price | Restoration Assistance | Triple-Bureau Checks | Social Media Tracking | Best For | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Experian | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $500,000+ | Yes | $9.99 – $29.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Parents |
IdentityForce | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $1 million | Yes | $14.99 – $19.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Online security |
Identity Guard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $1 million | Yes | $7.50 – $29.17 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Young families |
LifeLock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $25,000+ | Yes | $8.99 – $26.99 | Yes | Yes | No | Children |
Zander Insurance | No | Yes | Yes | No | $1 million | Prorated | $6.75 – $12.90 | Yes | No | Yes | Customer support |
ID Watchdog | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | $1 million | Prorated | $14.95 – $34.95 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Budgets |
Relia Shield | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $1 million | Prorated | $7.99 – $47.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Recovery support |
Required Features of ID Protection Plans for Families
When shopping around for identity theft protection services for families, there are lots of options. So, it helps to learn which capabilities are most popular and make the biggest difference between average service and stellar support.
Black Market Surveillance
Some people might not be aware that there is a “Dark Web” out there. Think of it as an online black market where scammers can sell personal details and info. Whenever someone falls victim to identity theft, there is a very real chance that their info is getting leaked to this side of the Internet.
Insurance Reimbursement
Not only does identity theft deplete one’s savings and hard-earned money, but it can cost even more to repair the damage. That’s why so many people turn to a service provider that can take care of ID restoration and cover many of the funds associated with the loss.
Social Network Tracking
In 2021, just about everything is online or on a platform like Facebook or Instagram. That makes this feature even more important, even if the person practices safe browsing and common sense online.
It's good to look for an identity theft company that offers this tracking function so that it can pinpoint where someone's data might be at risk.
ID Resolution
Becoming an identity theft victim is a dark, lonely road, one that the person shouldn’t have to walk alone. That’s why anyone wants a brand that offers certified case managers who can support clients through the ID restoration process. Not only does this ensure private security as persons recover, but it can often personal reimburse for some lost funds.
SSN Tracing
This number is unique to each individual and allows them to access certain records that others can’t touch. When it slips away or gets stolen, it paves the way for all kinds of financial damage. Seek identity theft protection services for families that have SSN tracing, or better yet, risk management alerts so one can avoid this issue in the first place.
Cyber-Attack Notifications
We’re living in a world where online bullies and scammers are running rampant. They know just who to prey on, too – kids. Parents can rest assured by signing up with an identity theft company that provides this kind of monitored service, helping to keep children from sharing crucial information online.
To combat this common scheme, many identity theft companies offer USPS Address Change Verification so that clients must personally authenticate the request before it takes place.
USPS Address Change Authentication
It is all too easy for scammers to submit an address change request so that a victim’s mail goes straight to their mailbox.
File-Sharing Monitors
Again, with the onslaught of online features and platforms, it’s very easy to mistakenly share important details with strangers. Putting this identity theft function in place helps to safeguard against revealing critical data or documents with scammers. The tool monitors most of the popular file-sharing platforms to prevent disastrous results.
Loan Application Tracking
One of the worst things to experience is a hacker using one’s financial details to take out a lofty loan in one’s name. Fortunately, many identity theft providers safeguard against this by putting in place monitors and authorization requests. That way, any application goes through the service before being approved.
Top Identity Theft Monitoring Features for Families
When it’s time to shop for protective services for families, here are the top factors to consider. Keep an eye out for these special features to ensure that individuals and their loved ones are adequately covered on all fronts.
Family Bundles
It goes without saying, but kids are most susceptible to having their ID and important data stolen. An identity theft package that focuses on families will guarantee ample coverage for the adults in the household, as well as the dependents.
Policy Reimbursements
Be sure to check the identity theft insurance coverage of each provider. This will tell what kind of compensation one can expect if the person does fall victim to an ID crime. Keep in mind that policy terms depend on the particular type and brand of family identity theft protection.
Restoration Specialists
Another thing to look for is recovery assistance for dealing with identity theft. Some brands have certified resolution support agents, while others provide case managers to help people along their journey back to financial wellbeing.
Triple-Bureau Credit Checks
While lots of companies offer one-bureau checks on their lowest packages, it is ideal for checking in with all three major bureaus.
This gives people a better idea of where their accounts stand and whether any hard inquiries showed up on the report.
Black Market Surveillance
The Dark Web is all too real and can demolish anyone’s hard work and savings. Consumers need a provider who will protect their identity and monitor this seedy side of the Internet for the illegal sale of names or IDs and other crimes.
Mobile Accessibility
Being able to track reports, scores, and alerts via the smartphone means that the person can have more control over own finances and different forms of identification. Some brands have very visual mobile apps that make it easy to see risks and progress.
Education, Advice, & Resources
It’s a good idea to go to each brand’s website and check out their online help center or blog. Ideally, they will offer guidance and article resources for consumers, whether they want to save for a home, track their FICO scores each month, or protect their identity better.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why Do I Need Identity Theft Protection For My Family?
Many people would consider it non-negotiable. This is because there are more scammers out there than ever before, just waiting to get their hands on valuable info or bank details. Families work hard to build their savings and dream home. The last thing they need is for someone to steal their identification and use it to damage their financial standing for years or decades to come.
-
What is the Difference Between a Common ID Theft Protection Service and One For Families?
Most businesses offer individual packages as well as those that are specially designed to protect families. This is extremely useful because it helps larger households save money while still getting the coverage they want and need. The price difference could even be as little as $10 per month.
The main distinctions between the two bundles are:
- Household plans cover dependent
- Discounts might be available for larger families
- Children and/or spouses can join the plan
-
What Does ID Insurance For Families Cover?
It usually depends on the particular company. That said, most family ID theft protection coverage reimburses victims for the monetary losses they take while trying to repair their finances. This could include things like transportation and childcare costs, lawyer and attorney fees, and any additional payments they need to make while consulting the restoration team. Sometimes, they can get reimbursed for stolen funds or a portion of the amount that was taken from their 401(k) or other investments.
-
How Can I Find Out If Someone is Using My Identity?
Given that millions of people suffer from this crime every year, everyone must know how to spot it before it dismantles one’s financial wellbeing.
- To start, keep an eye on own bank statements and other financial documents.
- If the person spots unusual or foreign transactions, it’s a tell-tale sign that something is amiss.
- Another thing to watch for is discontinued mail, which may be going to a scammer after an unauthorized address change.
- One can also check his credit report for any changes.
Take Action Now to Avoid Financial Ruin Later
Dealing with a stolen ID or expensive transactions that aren’t yours can be overwhelming. Plus, if the person has children, one naturally worries about what they’re doing – and sharing – online. A bit of an investment each month can drastically reduce the chances of becoming a victim and falling into a downward spiral of lost funds and shattered finances.
Start by checking out these seven ID theft protection services for families or speak to a professional who can steer personality and his loved ones in the right direction.