- Identity theft protection services compared
- Ten identity theft protection services
- The free step the FTC says anyone can take
- Questions to ask before you choose a service
- What to do in the first hour after identity theft
- Scams that lead to identity theft
- My plain advice on identity protection
- Frequently asked questions
The best identity theft protection for you watches the places your details are most likely to be misused, such as your credit file, bank accounts and the dark web, and alerts you quickly. Some services focus on credit monitoring, others add insurance and help to recover your identity. Before you sign up, freeze your credit, because that step is free.
Identity theft rarely announces itself. More often, it shows up as a letter about a loan you never took out or a credit check you didn't ask for, long after the damage started.
Here are ten identity theft protection services, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. They range from free credit monitoring to full services that add recovery help and insurance for families.
None of them can stop every scam. What they do well is spot problems early and help you clean up afterwards, which is where most people struggle on their own.
Before comparing them, though, there's one protective step you can take yourself, for free, that many people have never heard of.
Identity theft protection services compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Read what each plan includes before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate Identity Protection | Identity protection service | Family plans with recovery help | No |
| Aura | Identity and online safety service | Identity, device and online safety in one | Trial only |
| Credit Karma | Credit and ID monitoring | Free credit and identity monitoring | Yes |
| ID Watchdog | Identity monitoring service | Monitoring with recovery support | No |
| Identity Guard | Identity protection service | Monitoring with a guarantee period | No |
| IdentityForce | Identity protection service | Detailed monitoring and alerts | Trial only |
| IdentityIQ | Identity protection service | Plans that add a VPN and antivirus | No |
| IDShield | Identity protection service | Help from licensed investigators | No |
| LifeLock | Identity protection service | A trial before you commit | Trial only |
| Zander Insurance | Identity theft insurance | Simple cover for families | No |
Ten identity theft protection services
Allstate Identity Protection
Best for: Families who want monitoring for everyone at home plus help to recover an identity if it's stolen.
Aura
Best for: People who'd like identity monitoring bundled with tools for online safety and privacy.
Credit Karma
Best for: People who want to keep an eye on their credit and personal details without signing up for a premium plan.
ID Watchdog
Best for: People who want ongoing monitoring with a team to help if something goes wrong.
Identity Guard
Best for: Individuals and families who'd like a guarantee period so they can try the service first.
IdentityForce
Best for: People who like detailed alerts about how and where their personal data is being used.
IdentityIQ
Best for: People who'd like identity monitoring plus a VPN and antivirus software under one plan.
IDShield
Best for: People who want access to investigators to help restore their identity after a theft.
LifeLock
Best for: People who'd like a well-known name and the chance to start with a free trial.
Zander Insurance
Best for: Families who want simple identity theft cover that also covers their children.
The free step the FTC says anyone can take
Before you compare services, freeze your credit. The FTC's consumer advice page explains that when a credit freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name, and that it's free to place or lift a freeze, with no effect on your credit score.
The same page says a freeze lasts until you lift it, and that you need to contact all three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to place one. You don't have to wait for a data breach to do it. A protection service is still useful for alerts and recovery help, but the freeze is the lock on the door.
Questions to ask before you choose a service
- What's monitored: credit, bank accounts, the dark web, or all three?
- Alerts: how quickly will you hear about a problem, and how?
- Recovery help: is there a person who'll help you fix things?
- Family cover: are children and partners included?
- Insurance: what does it cover, and what are the limits?
What to do in the first hour after identity theft
- Contact the company where the fraud happened and close or freeze the account.
- Place a credit freeze with each of the three credit bureaus.
- Change the passwords on your email and bank accounts.
- Report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan.
- Keep notes of every call, letter and reference number.
Scams that lead to identity theft
Many identity thefts start with a convincing message that asks you to act fast. My guide to the PayID scam shows how these tricks work and how to spot them.
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Social media accounts are a common target too, and once one's taken, it can be used to scam your friends. Here's how to recover a hacked or lost Instagram account if it happens to you.
Do you make identity or privacy protection services? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on identity protection
Do the free things first: freeze your credit, use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-step login for your email and bank. They block more trouble than any app.
Then decide whether you want someone watching your back. If you'd struggle to deal with a theft alone, a service with real recovery help is worth considering, especially for a busy family.
Frequently asked questions
What is identity theft protection?
It's a service that monitors your credit and personal details and alerts you if someone misuses them.
Is a credit freeze free?
Yes. The FTC says it's free to place or lift a credit freeze.
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. The FTC says a freeze doesn't affect your credit score.
Can identity theft protection stop all fraud?
No. It helps you spot problems early and recover faster, but it can't prevent every scam.
Is free credit monitoring enough?
For many people it's a good start, especially alongside a credit freeze.
Do I need identity protection for my children?
Children can be targets too, so family plans that include them are worth a look.
What does identity theft insurance cover?
It usually helps with recovery expenses. Check each plan's details and limits.
How do I know if my identity has been stolen?
Watch for unfamiliar accounts, credit checks you didn't request, or bills for things you didn't order.
Where do I report identity theft in the US?
IdentityTheft.gov is the official site for reporting it and getting a recovery plan.
Should I freeze my credit even with a protection service?
Yes. The freeze stops new accounts being opened, while the service watches and alerts you.
How long does a credit freeze last?
The FTC says a credit freeze lasts until you lift it.
Can I try an identity protection service first?
Some offer a free trial or a guarantee period, so check before you commit.
