IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection

IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection Review

The Social Security Administration is doubling down on warnings to seniors, who are often victims of fraud related to Social Security or Medicare. You can protect yourself from these and other identity theft scams with protection from a company like IdentityIQ.

Pros

• Range of affordable plans
• Comprehensive monitoring and reporting
• $1 million in protection
• US-based identity restoration team

Cons

• Some advanced features are only available at higher price points

IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection Features

IdentityIQ offers a wide range of identity theft protection services in monthly plans ranging from $6.99 to $29.99. The primary feature sets are monitoring, identity theft insurance and identity restoration services.

IdentityIQ Credit Monitoring

IdentityIQ’s credit monitoring tracks activity related to your credit to prevent changes to your accounts without your knowledge. This includes credit-related information, change of address or personal information, new credit inquiries, new public records or judgments and new loans or credit accounts in your name.

Depending on the plan you choose, IdentityIQ monitors activity with the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, or one bureau. You can receive up to 12 credit reports per year, as well.

Identity Monitoring from IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ monitors for misuse of your identity. This surveillance includes tracking national and international criminal records, Social Security number tracing and enhanced monitoring for changes of address. IdentityIQ also keeps an eye out for new applications in your name, such as cell phone, credit or utility applications and payday loans.

IdentityIQ Dark Web Monitoring

The dark web is the part of the internet not indexed by Google or other major search engines. You’ve likely heard about many data breaches in recent months and years. Financial and retail interests are usually involved, exposing millions of people to having their personal information sold to cybercriminals on the dark web. Chances are someone already has your name and passwords due to this activity, and maybe even your credit card and Social Security numbers.

IdentityIQ monitors the dark web to warn you when monitoring services find your data so you can react quickly.

IdentityIQ Insurance and Identity Restoration

While IdentityIQ is set up to prevent identity theft, this crime evolves with technology. Should you become a victim, IdentityIQ has you covered with insurance and identity restoration services.

IdentityIQ offers up to $1 million in insurance to help cover expenses related to identity theft. These expenses might include funds that are stolen from you, the cost of a lawyer, reimbursement for lost wages while you deal with the situation and other similar costs. Some plans also provide up to $25,000 in identity insurance protection for children under age 24 and living with you full time.

Trying to reestablish your identity on your own can be an enormous task. The experts at IdentityIQ will work with you to restore your accounts and personal information if your identity is stolen. Dedicated US-based case managers provide excellent service.

IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection Costs

IdentityIQ offers monthly service plans that range from $6.99 to $29.99. The chart below breaks down the key differences in these plans. Each plan includes the features of the plan listed previously on the chart.

How to Buy IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection

You can sign up for IdentityIQ’s services using a secure online portal. Provide your name, address, Social Security number and the credit card numbers you want to be monitored. You’ll then need to verify your identity by answering a series of questions about yourself. Finalize your plan by using a credit or debit card, and your account is activated.

After you sign up for services, IdentityIQ begins monitoring your identity and tracking your credit report and credit-related information. You receive a notification when IdentityIQ finds suspicious activity.

IdentiyIQ’s plans automatically bill each month until you cancel. If you decide you no longer want the service, you’ll have to call to stop the identity theft protection.

IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection Complaints

IdentityIQ online reviews are mostly positive. IdentityIQ is accredited by the BBB and has responded to each BBB complaint we saw.

BestCompany gives IdentityIQ an 8 out of 10 rating, noting the company offers comprehensive identity theft protection at a very reasonable price. ConsumersAdvocate gives IdentityIQ 4.5 out of 5 stars. This high rating was influenced by how IdentityIQ provides a dedicated case manager to work directly with customers who become identity theft victims.

IdentityIQ Identity Theft Protection Q&A

• Does IdentityIQ offer a discount for veterans or active military?

  Yes, the company offers a 25% discount. Call IdentityIQ to discuss the availability of discounts with a customer service representative.

• What is synthetic identity theft, and does IdentityIQ protect against it?

  Synthetic identity theft is a relatively new scheme that involves stealing part of your identity, like your Social Security number, and pairing it with fictitious information. This type of identity theft can be challenging to detect. IdentityIQ monitors all major identity data to help guard against synthetic identity theft.

• Does IdentityIQ provide educational materials about identity theft?

  IdentityIQ offers many articles and resources on the company website to help you learn more about identity and credit theft.

• How can I cancel my IdentityIQ services?

  If you decide you no longer want a subscription to IdentityIQ, you’ll need to call Customer Support. They will ask you to verify your identity before canceling your account.

• What does IdentityIQ Identity Theft Insurance cover?

  IdentityIQ’s ID Theft Coverage provides up to $1 million for funds stolen via unauthorized electronic funds transfer from an account in your name, legal fees and miscellaneous expenses. The insurance also pays up to $1,500 per week to replace lost wages for up to five weeks should you need to be away from work to resolve a stolen identity event. This insurance is underwritten by AIG, and there’s no deductible.

Conclusion

IdentityIQ can provide peace of mind by protecting your credit and sensitive information in a number of situations. You receive warnings when there’s unusual activity on a financial account or when IdentityIQ finds your information on the dark web. Should your identity become compromised, generous insurance coverage and a dedicated professional help you recover quickly.