IdentityIQ Review: Worth the Cost in 2024?

In an era where digital footprints are as unique as fingerprints, ensuring the safety of your personal information is paramount. IdentityIQ steps into the spotlight with a suite of tools designed to shield your identity from the prying eyes of cybercriminals.

In this IdentityIQ review, we’ll explore how it measures up in providing effective identity protection. We’ll dissect its features, cost, ease of use, and customer support, so you can determine if IdentityIQ fits your security needs and budget. As we dive into the intricacies of IdentityIQ's offerings, we'll evaluate whether it stands as a bastion of security in the tumultuous seas of the internet. We'll examine the protection it offers against identity theft, the effectiveness of its monitoring capabilities, and the quality of customer support.

Whether you're looking to defend your personal data from misuse or simply want peace of mind online, this review will give you a clear picture of what IdentityIQ can do for you.

Key takeaways

• IdentityIQ offers identity theft protection with credit monitoring, insurance, and restoration services, though it may have higher costs and integration challenges compared to competitors.

• The “Secure Max Plan” includes $1 million identity theft insurance, synthetic identity theft monitoring for children, application monitoring, and credit building with utility payment reporting.

• Through a partnership with Bitdefender, IdentityIQ strengthens its security suite with antivirus and virtual private network (VPN) services, but privacy concerns arise due to potential data sharing with third parties and government entities.

• You can find the latest IdentityIQ prices and deals here.

IdentityIQ pros and cons

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of IdentityIQ.

IdentityIQ feature summary

Let's take a closer look at the variety of features that IdentityIQ offers.

• Credit monitoring – Keeps an eye on your credit reports and sends you alerts if someone tries to do something fishy with your credit, helping to stop identity theft in its tracks.

• Dark web monitoring – Checks for your details on hidden online markets, watching for things like Social Security numbers being traded.

• Identity protection – Get notified right away if there’s fishy business with your Social Security number (SSN) or if your name pops up in crime reports.

• Application monitoring – Monitors new credit applications across various services to prevent unauthorized activities.

• Identity theft insurance – Up to $1 million coverage by AIG to assist with recovery costs, including legal fees and lost wages.

• Identity restoration – Provides a personal case manager to guide victims through the process of reclaiming their identity.

• Family protection – Special monitoring of children's SSNs and insurance coverage, ensuring family-wide security.

• IQ alerts – Includes application monitoring, SSN alerts, synthetic ID theft protection, and change of address monitoring, among other services.

• File sharing network searches – Scans file-sharing networks for any personal details to alert you of unauthorized sharing.

• Lost wallet assistance – This helps you replace important documents and cards if your wallet gets lost.

• US-based ID restoration service – Offers dedicated support for identity restoration within the US.

See all IdentityIQ features here >

What is IdentityIQ and how it works?

IdentityIQ may not be a household name in identity theft protection, but it offers substantial functionality and affordability. Upon signing up, IdentityIQ begins monitoring your credit and online activities, alerting you to potential identity theft. If your identity is compromised, restoration specialists help you recover.

The service provides three main tiers of protection, each featuring credit monitoring, identity theft monitoring, and protection features. All plans include up to $1 million in reimbursement for stolen funds and legal costs, offering financial safety against identity theft.

Company background: Can we trust IdentityIQ?

Founded in 2009, IdentityIQ is a part of the IDIQ family, specializing in identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. Operating out of California, IdentityIQ has become known for its well-rounded protection solutions and educational initiatives on credit and personal identity management. With the rise of sophisticated scams like government benefits fraud and tax-related identity theft – IdentityIQ's vigilant services are more important than ever for early detection and support.

Priding itself on a strong track record of data security, IdentityIQ has successfully avoided any major data breaches, showcasing its dedication to safeguarding user information. While its US base does bring up some privacy questions related to the FVEY intelligence-sharing agreement, IdentityIQ counters these concerns by teaming up with Bitdefender. This partnership not only bolsters its security capabilities with top-notch antivirus protection but also adds an essential layer of defense for its users' digital lives with Bitdefender's VPN service, ensuring secure and private online activities by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses.

On Trustpilot, IdentityIQ has a “Great” rating from 338 reviews, yet 20% of users gave a one-star rating, mainly due to cancellation issues. Customers struggle with being unable to cancel online, facing long hold times on calls during limited service hours. Complaints also mention unexpected recurring charges and poor interactions with customer service representatives.

Core features: What do you get with IdentityIQ?

Here's a quick overview of what Experian IdentityWorks provides to protect your personal information.

Credit monitoring across three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)

IdentityIQ excels in the vital area of credit monitoring, serving as a guardian of your financial health. Opt for the “Secure Max” plan and you'll benefit from top-to-bottom credit monitoring across all three major credit bureaus. This gives you a panoramic view of your financial activities and any changes to your credit reports. With real-time notifications about potential credit card fraud, overdraft alerts, and warnings when your personal information might be compromised in a data breach, you're empowered to act quickly to prevent identity theft.

Plus, you're not left in the dark about your credit status – you can peek at your credit reports every month. The credit score provided is the VantageScore 3.0, a model developed by the major credit bureaus to give you a consistent understanding of your credit health across various lenders.

Note: The entry-level plan, “Secure Plus”, provides monitoring of your credit report from one credit bureau only. Comprehensive credit monitoring across all three bureaus is exclusive to IdentityIQ's higher-tier plans.

Dark web and identity monitoring

IdentityIQ's dark web monitoring services probe the internet's hidden regions where cybercriminals traffic stolen data like credit card details, passports, and account passwords. It alerts you if your sensitive information surfaces in these dubious markets.

The service also watches for your data in criminal records and notifies you if your identity is misused to create a fake persona or for criminal activities. Address change alerts further safeguard against mail diversion or property fraud attempts.

Although IdentityIQ diligently watches over your digital footprint, some may prefer services with quicker notifications and broader coverage. Nevertheless, IdentityIQ's offerings, including in the “Secure Plan”, provide a solid defense against identity theft with dark web surveillance and SSN alerts.

Insurance and restoration services

One standout feature across all IdentityIQ plans is the $1 million stolen funds reimbursement, which ensures that members are financially protected in the event of identity theft. This coverage extends to legal costs that may arise while reclaiming your identity and financial standing.

Members who opt for the “Secure Max” plan benefit not only from the base $1 million insurance but also from the peace of mind that comes with $25,000 in identity theft insurance for children under 24 living at home, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for the whole family.

Specifically, the “Secure Max” plan enhances this offering with:

• An additional $25,000 insurance coverage for family members to cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to identity theft.

• Access to a team of legal experts, consultants, and investigators who provide support throughout the identity restoration process.

• Compensation for lost wages at a rate of up to $1,500 per week, along with assistance in renewing important documents such as driver’s licenses and passports.

In addition to these protections, the plan offers lost wallet assistance, aiding in the replacement of stolen cards, and robust identity restoration services that guide members through the recovery process after an identity theft incident.

Family-focused identity theft protection

Understanding the importance of safeguarding not just individuals but their loved ones too, IdentityIQ has thoughtfully included family protection in their “Secure Max” plan.

This plan thoughtfully extends its protective embrace to cover not only the primary account holder but also up to four children under 18 who share the same permanent address. Parents can breathe easier knowing that their children's identities are shielded with the same vigilance as their own, up until the young ones reach the milestone age of 18.

Some security extras

IdentityIQ goes above and beyond the basics, providing advanced security features to fortify its identity theft protection services.

Bitdefender security suite as a paid add-on

For an additional $3 to any plan, IdentityIQ users can opt for the Bitdefender Security Suite, enhancing their identity protection. This suite includes antivirus to combat malware and a VPN for securing up to 10 devices, which encrypts internet traffic – ideal for public Wi-Fi safety.

Parental controls and a password manager also come with the suite, bolstering family safety and credential security on Windows devices.

While Bitdefender's antivirus is well regarded, the VPN has a daily data limit of 200 MB, which is insufficient for regular internet usage. This add-on raises the question of whether IdentityIQ should focus more on its core identity protection features. Nonetheless, cybersecurity is integral to preventing identity theft, and Bitdefender's tools are valuable assets in this regard.

Wallet recovery assistance

Should you experience the misfortune of losing your wallet, IdentityIQ offers an essential lost wallet assistance service. This service acts as an immediate support system for canceling and replacing all crucial cards and documents, from credit cards to driver's licenses. In the event of such a stressful occurrence, this service becomes a critical asset in mitigating the risks and potential damages associated with a lost wallet.

File-sharing network searches

Venturing beyond the well-lit paths of the internet, IdentityIQ also keeps an eye on the obscure alleys of file-sharing networks. In these digital marketplaces, where personal information may be up for grabs, IdentityIQ's search ensures that if your details appear, you'll get an alert. This proactive monitoring allows you to take immediate action, keeping your identity secure in the ever-evolving online world.

Reduce unwanted contacts (junk mail and telemarketing)

IdentityIQ's Opt-out IQ feature helps reduce unsolicited mail and telemarketing calls. By enrolling you in the National Do Not Call Registry, IdentityIQ helps reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. It also minimizes your risk of identity theft by removing your information from direct mail lists, curtailing the chance of mail interception.

The benefits include:

• Less junk mail: Your name is taken off many direct mail lists, reducing mailbox clutter and exposure to identity theft.

• Fewer telemarketing calls: Enrollment in the Do Not Call Registry curtails unsolicited calls, lowering the chance of scam encounters.

• Streamlined process: IdentityIQ handles the opt-out procedures, saving you the effort of contacting marketers directly.

• Enhanced privacy: Opting out limits the distribution of your personal data, increasing your privacy.

Opt-out IQ is included in all service plans, reflecting IdentityIQ's dedication to proactive identity theft prevention.

Ease of use: Is IdentityIQ easy to use?

Setting up IdentityIQ is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly configuration. The initial setup might test your patience, but once you're through, you'll enjoy a smooth and intuitive experience.

Getting started with IdentityIQ

Setting up an account with IdentityIQ is typically straightforward. To get started with IdentityIQ's “Secure Plus” plan, you'll need to provide basic information like your SSN, date of birth, and phone number. Once your account is set up, you can easily update your personal details, password, security questions, and manage your plan from the account details page.

The account setup process for IdentityIQ “Secure Plus” is quick, taking approximately ten minutes to complete. While IdentityIQ accepts credit card payments, it's worth noting that they do not currently accept PayPal for their services.

Navigating the dashboard

After setting up your account, you'll find that navigating the IdentityIQ dashboard is a breeze. It offers credit score trackers and simulators that you can access with just a glance. Notifications from IdentityIQ are conveniently available both on the dashboard and via text messaging if you've set it up during registration.

Using the mobile app

We've found that IdentityIQ's alert system excels in keeping users informed about potential risks, whether they're accessing it through the web interface or mobile app. Plus, the option for text message alerts upon registration adds an extra layer of convenience.

The app also offers biometric logins and provides easy access to credit scores and reports. However, we've noticed that some higher-tier plans lack features like social media monitoring and parental controls, which might prompt families to seek additional tools for complete protection.

Ending your IdentityIQ subscription

To cancel your IdentityIQ subscription, call their support at (877) 875-4347, request cancellation, and ask for a confirmation email. While there's no option to cancel via the website or email, calling during business hours is effective despite possible wait times and offers of reduced pricing to retain your business.

Note: Persistence will lead to cancellation, but keep in mind that IdentityIQ does not provide refunds for partial months.

Customer support: What sort of help do you get with IdentityIQ?

IdentityIQ's customer support, based in the US, is reachable via a toll-free number with extended weekday hours and availability on Saturdays. In emergencies, support is available 24/7. The lack of a dedicated customer-support section on their website is offset by a useful FAQ section and credit report information.

In case of suspected identity theft, US-based fraud restoration experts are ready to assist with protective steps and insurance claims. The customer care team helps with platform inquiries, membership management, and resolving credit monitoring alerts.

Note: Canceling a subscription, however, can be challenging. To terminate the service, customers must call, which can result in encountering high-pressure sales tactics and a lengthy process, often leaving customers feeling frustrated.

Plans and pricing: Is IdentityIQ worth your money?

IdentityIQ tailors a range of plans to suit various identity protection needs, ensuring there's an option that fits just right for everyone. Below, let's walk through the different plans and their offerings, highlighting how each one caters to your security requirements:

1. Secure Plan – priced at $6.99/month (annual billing): It offers basic features including daily 1-bureau credit report monitoring and up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement.

Beyond the basic plan, there are additional options you can select:

1. Secure Plus – priced at $8.50/month (annual billing): It includes annual 3-bureau credit reports and scores, 1-bureau credit report monitoring, and up to $1 million stolen funds reimbursement.

2. Secure Pro – priced at $16.99/month (annual billing): The plan covers everything from “Secure Plus”, as well as enhanced credit report monitoring, alerts on crimes committed in your name, and score change alerts.

3. Secure Max – priced at $25.50/month (annual billing): Includes everything from previous plans plus credit scores simulator and tacker, $25K ID theft insurance for family protection and fraud restoration with LPOA.

In addition to identity theft protection, IdentityIQ provides bundled plans that include antivirus and VPN services:

1. Secure Plus (with antivirus and VPN) – priced at $10.19/month (annual billing): Includes everything from “Secure Plus,” and a VPN with unlimited encrypted traffic for up to 10 devices, antivirus and antispyware and password manager for Windows OS.

2. Secure Pro (with antivirus and VPN) – priced at $18.69/month (annual billing): Includes everything from “Secure Pro,” and a VPN with unlimited encrypted traffic for up to 10 devices, antivirus and antispyware and password manager for Windows.

3. Secure Max (with antivirus and VPN) – priced at $28.04/month (annual billing): Includes everything from “Secure Max,” and a VPN with unlimited encrypted traffic for up to 10 devices, antivirus and antispyware and password manager for Windows OS.

IdentityIQ does not explicitly mention the availability of free trials or a money-back guarantee on its official website. According to IDIQ's Terms of Service, free trials are available for some services, at their discretion.

Quick Tip: If you're using a free trial, cancel before the trial ends to avoid automatic subscription fees charged to your payment method.

How secure and private is IdentityIQ?

IIdentityIQ implements multiple measures to ensure user data security and privacy, using SSL encryption to protect customer data and restricting access through best-effort practices.

Subscribing to IdentityIQ requires providing sensitive data such as name, address, birth date, SSN, and credit card numbers, which is standard for identity protection services. However, it's important to note the implications of sharing personal information with a company based in the USA, part of the FVEY intelligence alliance.

IdentityIQ may share user information with government entities under certain circumstances, such as legal requirements or to prevent fraud, and with third parties, which may be a privacy concern for some users. Users should weigh the benefits of identity protection against the privacy risks associated with data sharing, particularly with a US-based company within the scope of FVEY agreements.

Partnering with Bitdefender, IdentityIQ offers online security measures such as antivirus protection, a VPN, safe browsing tools, and AI-powered spam call protection for up to 10 devices, enhancing protection against identity theft.

IdentityIQ's privacy policy outlines how your personal information is collected, used, and protected when using their services.

How to get started with IdentityIQ: A quick guide

Embarking on the journey to protect your identity is straightforward with IdentityIQ? Follow these steps to secure your personal information:

1. Select a plan on IdentityIQ's website and click “Get Protected Now”.

2. Set up your account with a standard amount of personal details (including your name, email, and address), and create a password.

3. Enter more identity-related information, including SSN, date of birth, and opt-in for SMS alerts.

4. Pay with a credit card and answer a few security challenge questions.

5. Check your email for a welcome message and log in to your dashboard using the last four digits of your SSN.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can begin the journey to safeguard your identity with confidence.

IdentityIQ alternatives: How does it compare to competitors?

While IdentityIQ holds its ground, it encounters fierce competition from alternatives. Some of the top competitors in the identity theft protection service industry include:

• Aura: Known as a top identity theft protection service, Aura offers features like parental controls and cyberbullying alerts, making it a good choice for families. Aura diligently monitors your personal information and financial transactions, offering comprehensive protection that you can trust. (See our Aura review for more info.)
• LifeLock: With a strong background in digital security, Norton LifeLock combines antivirus and identity protection. It offers up to $3 million in identity theft insurance and unique features like investment account monitoring, catering to those looking for comprehensive digital security. (See our LifeLock review for the details)
• IDShield: IDShield offers identity theft protection with a legal twist, providing access to private investigators and lawyers. This service is ideal for those who prioritize legal support in their identity protection plan. (See our IDShield review for more.)

Choosing the right identity theft protection service often hinges on credit report monitoring. Opt for one that offers regular reports from all three bureaus for comprehensive fraud alerts.

Other identity theft protection guides on RestorePrivacy:

• Aura Review
• Experian IdentityWorks Review
• IDShield Review
• LifeLock Review
• McAfee Review
• Identity Guard Review

IdentityIQ FAQ

Is IdentityIQ safe to use?

Yes, IdentityIQ is considered safe to use. It employs SSL encryption to protect your data during transmission, ensuring that your personal details are securely locked away. Access to this sensitive information is strictly limited to authorized personnel, creating a safe environment for your data.

While IdentityIQ is based in the USA and may share information with government entities or third parties when required, it is committed to maintaining the security and privacy of your data, as detailed in its privacy policy.

How many credit bureaus does IdentityIQ monitor?

Depending on the IdentityIQ plan you pick, you'll get different levels of credit bureau monitoring. If you go for the “Secure Plus” plan, it keeps an eye on your credit activity from one bureau only. But if you step up to the “Secure Pro” or “Secure Max” plans, you're getting the full package with monitoring across all three big names in the credit world – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

How can I cancel my IdentityIQ services?

If you decide it's time to part ways with IdentityIQ, you can initiate the cancellation process by getting in touch with their customer support at (877) 875-4347. It's a good idea to ask for a confirmation email once they've processed your request. While you might encounter a bit of a wait or receive offers to reconsider your decision, a firm stance will see you through the cancellation process successfully.

Conclusion: Comprehensive but not without its challenges

In conclusion, IdentityIQ offers robust identity theft protection with features like credit monitoring across all three bureaus, dark web monitoring, and identity restoration services. It provides a comprehensive defense against identity fraud with various plans tailored to different needs.

Advantages include extensive monitoring services, $1 million identity theft insurance, and user-friendly interfaces. However, there are drawbacks such as privacy concerns related to data sharing with third parties and the fact that IdentityIQ is based in the USA. Plus, IdentityIQ does not offer a free trial or a forever-free version of its services.

Weighing its comprehensive features against the drawbacks, IdentityIQ remains a strong option for those seeking identity protection.

This IdentityIQ review was last updated on July 21, 2024.