Worried about identity theft? You should be — but don’t panic just yet. In this guide, we break down the smartest ways to protect yourself from fraud without going full tinfoil hat.
According to the FTC’s latest Consumer Sentinel data, US consumers reported a staggering $12.5 billion in fraud losses during 2024, a massive 25% increase from the prior year, even though the volume of reports remained steady. That surge shows scammers are getting trickier and more costly, highlighting just how critical it is to stay ahead with strong identity protection.
The aftermath isn’t just about money. A stolen identity can wreck your credit, your reputation, and your peace of mind — and fixing it can take years.
That’s why we’ve packed this guide with practical, expert-approved steps to keep your personal info locked down. From password habits to the best identity theft protection services, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Top takeaways to protect your identity
Think identity theft only happens to “other people”? Think again. It’s surprisingly easy for someone to steal your personal info — whether through phishing scams, sketchy Wi-Fi, or even old-school mail theft.
There are many flavors of identity theft, too — financial fraud, child ID theft, account takeovers, and even medical identity theft. Each one comes with its own red flags and requires a different strategy to fight back.
- So how do you stay ahead of the bad guys? It takes a layered defense: monitor your credit, lock down your logins, shred those old documents, and yes, consider a solid identity theft protection service. Jump to our top prevention tips if you're ready to get serious.
- The best identity theft protection we’ve tested? Aura — and right now, you can grab it with a 68% off coupon.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft involves unlawfully obtaining and using another person’s personal data to commit fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Common forms of identity theft include sneaky false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, and unauthorized use of telephone calling cards. The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 makes it a federal offense to unlawfully transfer or use another person’s identification.
Despite that, identity thieves remain crafty and employ a whole variety of tactics to steal your personal information. Some use techniques like “shoulder surfing” to observe personal information in public places or intercept mail to gain access to personal data. Ever had someone peeking over your shoulder at the ATM? Well, that’s shoulder surfing. Others use more advanced methods, including leveraging AI to create deepfake videos and voice clones, making their scams even more convincing and difficult to detect.
Imagine waking up to find that thieves have swiped funds from your bank account, opened shiny new credit cards or loans in your name, and even filed fraudulent tax returns to nab your refunds. These crafty criminals might also use your insurance to get medical services or give law enforcement your identity if they get into trouble. It's like a bad episode of a crime show, but it’s real life.
Staying informed about the tactics and legal consequences of identity theft helps you take proactive steps to secure your personal and financial information. This way, you can keep identity thieves at bay.
How hackers steal your personal information
Identity theft can occur through a mix of techniques that trick you into giving away your personal information via deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls. But don't worry, we'll dive into all these methods and more in a moment.
Online vs offline techniques
Online identity theft happens through digital tricks like phishing emails and hacking, while offline identity theft involves old-school methods like stealing your mail or digging through trash for personal info.
First, let's take a look at online techniques used for stealing personal information:
Phishing, smishing, and vishing – These scams trick victims into providing personal information through deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls. The messages often appear to come from reputable organizations, creating a sense of urgency by suggesting that your account was compromised or will be closed unless you respond. They typically contain a link to a realistic but fake webpage or a request to call a toll-free number, where you're tricked into revealing sensitive information.
Fake websites – Fraudsters create convincing replicas of legitimate websites to trick users into entering their personal details, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and SSNs.
Keylogging and spyware – Malicious software that sneakily records your keystrokes and harvests passwords along with other sensitive data from infected devices. This sneaky software can be secretly planted by opening email attachments or clicking on pop-up windows.
Data breaches – Cybercriminals hack into company databases to steal large quantities of personal information, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and credit card details, which they then sell or use for fraudulent activities.
Impersonation scams – Attackers pose as trusted entities or individuals to deceive victims into providing personal information or transferring money, often through email or social media.
Purchase of information on the dark web – Cybercriminals buy stolen personal information on the dark web, using it for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
SIM jacking – Attackers trick a telecom provider into transferring a victim’s number to a different SIM card, gaining access to two-factor authentication codes and other personal information.
Now, let's shift our attention to offline techniques used for stealing personal information:
Skimming – Devices are secretly attached to card readers (like ATMs or gas pumps) to capture card information during legitimate transactions, allowing criminals to clone cards and make unauthorized purchases.
Social engineering – Manipulative tactics are used in face-to-face interactions to gain trust and extract personal information from unsuspecting victims.
Public Wi-Fi and USB charging stations – Hackers exploit unsecured public Wi-Fi networks and compromised USB charging stations to intercept personal data and inject malware into devices.
Shoulder surfing – In public places, thieves observe or record people entering sensitive information, such as PIN numbers or passwords, on their devices.
Pickpocketing – Thieves physically steal wallets, IDs, and other personal items to obtain sensitive information.
Pretexting – Thieves use fabricated stories to trick individuals into providing personal information, often by posing as someone with a legitimate need for the information, like a surveyor or company representative.
Dumpster diving – Thieves rummage through trash bins to find discarded documents containing sensitive information, such as bank statements, credit card offers, and medical records.
Mail theft – Criminals steal mail directly from mailboxes to obtain personal information, checks, or credit cards that can be used for fraudulent activities.
By being aware of both online and offline identity theft techniques, you can better protect your personal information. Stay alert and proactive, and you'll be much less likely to fall victim to these scams.
Identity theft vs identity fraud: What's the difference?
In short, identity theft is when someone steals your personal details – like your name, SSN, or credit card information. The thief's goal is to use this stolen information to impersonate you. Common methods of identity theft include phishing scams, where deceptive emails trick you into providing personal information, and data breaches, where hackers access large databases of personal details.
Identity fraud, on the other hand, is the act of using someone else's stolen information to commit crimes or fraud. While identity theft is about obtaining the information, identity fraud involves using that information for fraudulent activities, such as making unauthorized purchases, opening new credit accounts, or even filing false tax returns. Essentially, identity theft is the crime of stealing the information, and identity fraud is the misuse of that stolen information.
Who is most vulnerable to identity theft?
Certain demographics are more vulnerable to identity theft than others. Here are some examples:
People between the ages of 30 and 39 – According to the 2023 FTC Consumer Sentinel study, this age group reported the highest number of identity theft cases due to their active financial lives and significant online presence.
Children – They are prime targets because they have clean credit histories, and theft often goes unnoticed for years, sometimes committed by trusted individuals. According to the 2022 Child Identity Fraud Study, over 1 million children were victims of identity fraud, with an estimated loss of $918 million.
Seniors – Seniors, especially those 75 and older, experience substantial financial losses due to identity theft, often because they monitor their accounts less frequently. According to the 2020 Innovation in Aging study, seniors are particularly targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and the growing sophistication of scams tailored to deceive them.
Heavy social media users – Sharing personal information online makes them more susceptible to social engineering attacks and account takeovers. Social media scams are increasingly common, with scammers using platforms to deceive users and steal their information.
Higher earners – Individuals earning $50,000 or more are targeted because they have more financial assets and a larger digital footprint, as highlighted in a 2021 survey by the US Department of Justice.
Millennials – Those born between 1985 and 1994 report high rates of identity theft due to poor cybersecurity habits and overconfidence, despite being digital natives.
By understanding these vulnerabilities, you can take targeted steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft.
Identity theft comes in many forms — Here's How to Spot Each One
Identity theft often goes unnoticed at first, with indicators such as unexpected bills, debt collection calls for unfamiliar accounts, and missing mail. There are various types of identity theft that we’ll explore next.
Financial identity theft
Financial identity theft involves using someone’s financial information, like credit card or bank account numbers, to make unauthorized transactions. This sneaky type of identity theft includes the unauthorized use or attempted use of existing accounts and personal information to open new accounts.
Warning signs
If you notice sudden changes in your credit score or unfamiliar accounts on your credit reports, these could be signs of identity theft. Receiving unexpected debt collection calls or court judgments for accounts you don't recognize is another major warning sign. To protect yourself, consider freezing your credit, which can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission.
Synthetic identity theft
Synthetic identity theft is a sneaky crime where criminals mix real and fake information to create new identities. They often use stolen SSNs along with made-up names, dates of birth, and addresses. These synthetic identities can be used to open fraudulent accounts and commit financial crimes, making them tough to detect and resolve.
Warning signs
A key warning sign is discovering your SSN is already in use when trying to freeze your credit. This often isn't noticed until applying for student loans or other forms of credit. Criminals sometimes make up and use a SSN before it’s officially assigned, so victims may be targeted early.
Medical identity theft
Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to access medical services, prescription drugs, or medical equipment. This can lead to serious problems, such as incorrect medical records, denied insurance claims, and unexpected medical bills.
Warning signs
If you see claims or payments on your insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that you don't recognize, it might mean someone else is using your health care benefits. Other warning signs include receiving bills for medical services you didn't receive, errors in your EOB statements, and calls from debt collectors about medical debts you're unaware of. If you notice any discrepancies in your medical records or insurance statements, it's crucial to act quickly.
Child identity theft
Child identity theft occurs when a minor’s SSN is used by someone to open accounts or apply for loans. Kids are often targeted because the misuse of their information can go unnoticed until they apply for their first loan or credit card. Criminals can steal a child’s identity and rack up debt in their name, often not discovered until the child applies for college loans or other credit.
Warning signs
These can include receiving credit card offers, bills, or debt collection calls in their name. If your child starts getting offers for credit cards or phone calls about late payments or debt collections, it’s time to investigate further.
Account takeover
Account takeover occurs when a fraudster gains access to an existing account and makes unauthorized transactions or changes. This type of fraud is especially common on e-commerce sites, which store substantial amounts of sensitive financial data. When a fraudster takes over an account, they can make purchases, change account details, and even lock out the rightful owner.
Warning signs
If you notice logins from new devices or unfamiliar locations, it's a potential sign of unauthorized access. A large number of failed login attempts can also be a warning that someone is trying to break into your account. Additionally, sudden changes to your account details, such as email addresses or phone numbers, should raise immediate concern.
Tax identity theft
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. This type of fraud can lead to delays in legitimate tax refunds and financial complications for the victim. It's important to note that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via email or social media to request personal or financial information.
Warning signs
Signs of tax identity theft include receiving IRS notices stating that multiple tax returns were filed using your Social Security number, notifications of additional taxes owed or collection actions for a year when you didn't file, or records showing income from an employer you didn't work for. These signs indicate potential fraudulent use of your information.
Criminal identity theft
Criminal identity theft happens when an individual uses someone else’s identity during encounters with law enforcement, resulting in false criminal records being attributed to the innocent person. Victims typically uncover this issue when they receive unexpected court summonses, arrest warrants, or notices for crimes they didn't commit.
Warning signs
One red flag of criminal identity theft is finding unfamiliar accounts on your credit report that you didn’t open yourself. Additionally, you might experience confusing encounters with law enforcement, like being detained without understanding why. Problems with background checks affecting your job prospects or promotions could also signal potential criminal identity theft.
Want to avoid identity theft? Here’s exactly what to do
Protecting yourself against identity theft requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some steps you can take:
Check your credit reports regularly
Keeping an eye on your credit report is like having a security system for your finances. It helps you spot data breaches and suspicious activities early on, which is crucial for preventing identity theft. You can get free annual credit reports from the three nationwide credit bureaus once a year. Some institutions also offer free weekly reports to help you stay vigilant against identity theft.
Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service like Aura, known for its comprehensive monitoring and prompt alerts. These services notify you of new inquiries or changes in your credit report, giving you peace of mind knowing your financial information is protected.
Freeze your credit today
Freezing your credit prevents new lines of credit or loans from being opened in your name, offering powerful protection against identity theft. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit at any time, keeping it frozen until you need to open a new account or apply for a loan.
To freeze your credit, you'll receive a unique PIN from each bureau, which you'll need to unfreeze your report later. It’s essential to place a freeze with all three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Since September 21, 2018, federal law has eliminated fees for placing and removing credit freezes nationwide.
Keep your Social Security number (SSN) safe
Your SSN is a key piece of information that, if compromised, can lead to identity theft, such as fraudulent credit applications. Keeping it safe at home rather than in your wallet minimizes the risk of misuse if your card is lost or stolen. If your Social Security number is used by your health plan or other cards, request a different ID to keep your personal information safe.
Organizations should encrypt SSNs when storing them and avoid posting them on public bulletin boards or sending them through unsecured electronic means. Also, always be cautious when asked for your SSN.
Think twice before connecting to public Wi-Fi
When using public Wi-Fi, exercise caution or consider avoiding it altogether to protect your online activities. Utilize a VPN to encrypt your data and ensure a secure connection when accessing public networks. Look for a lock symbol or “https://” in the address bar to verify encryption before entering any sensitive information.
To enhance security, disable auto-connect settings on your devices to prevent them from automatically connecting to potentially unsafe networks. Even when using a VPN, it's advisable to refrain from accessing sensitive information like bank accounts over public Wi-Fi to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
Be careful what you share on social media
Protect your privacy on social media by controlling what you share. Utilize privacy settings to limit who can access your personal information on social platforms. Accept friend requests only from people you know to avoid interactions with potential scammers.
Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your home address, email address, children’s names, or birthdates. This helps protect you from identity theft and other risks associated with oversharing online.
Also, if you're posting about vacations or trips, wait until you're back home to avoid telling burglars your house is empty.
Protect your devices with trusted antivirus software
Protecting your identity begins with installing reliable antivirus software, which offers several benefits:
Warding off viruses and malware: Antivirus software scans and removes harmful threats, ensuring your devices stay safe.
Safeguarding against online threats: It provides real-time protection against phishing, ransomware, and other cyber dangers.
Preventing unauthorized access: Secure your data from hackers by blocking unauthorized access attempts.
Enhancing overall security: Antivirus software adds an extra layer of defense by monitoring for suspicious activities and vulnerabilities.
Use a password manager and strong passwords
To safeguard against cyberattacks, aim for a strong passwords which is at least 12 characters long. Creating a passphrase with random words can make it harder for hacking programs to guess.
Consider using third-party password managers like NordPass, known for its audited, secure system and clean track record. NordPass also offers many extra features and a coupon for 61% off, making it a comprehensive choice for managing strong passwords. Another rock-solid option is Bitwarden, an open-source password manager with solid features focused on security and user control.
Using a password manager simplifies generating and managing strong, unique passwords for each account, enhancing overall online security.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) now
Two-factor authentication strengthens security by requiring two forms of identification before granting access to your account. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just using a password, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
You can set up 2FA using various methods like push notifications, SMS verification codes, or even voice-based authentication. These methods ensure that only you can access your account, even if someone else has your password.
Enabling 2FA significantly enhances account security, reduces the risk of identity theft, and provides an easy and effective way to stay safe online.
Secure your tech with biometric protection
Boost your device security with biometric authentication methods that offer personalized and secure access using unique biological traits:
Fingerprint recognition – Using capacitive scanners, creates a detailed fingerprint map unique to each person, making it a highly secure way to unlock devices or authenticate transactions hassle-free.
Facial recognition – Facial recognition analyzes facial features to verify identity, offering a convenient, hands-free way to access secure information and unlock devices effortlessly.
Iris and retina scans – Offer advanced security by capturing unique eye patterns, ensuring high accuracy and protection against unauthorized access.
Voice recognition – Verifies identity through voiceprints, considering factors like pitch and tone, adding an extra layer of security and making access control intuitive and secure.
In short, using biometric protection makes security stronger and access easier.
Use a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to stay private online
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, shielding it from hackers and other prying eyes, whether you're using public Wi-Fi or at home. This encryption ensures that your sensitive information remains private and secure. Thus, picking the right VPN service is crucial for keeping your internet connection secure and your online activities private.
NordVPN is a standout choice with secure apps for all your devices and lightning-fast speeds. It's known for its strong encryption and strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online browsing remains private and secure.
Surfshark is another great option, offering easy-to-use apps and compatibility across multiple devices. It's known for its affordability and robust security features, making it a popular choice for safeguarding your internet activities.
Use a privacy screen to keep prying eyes away
Privacy screens are handy filters you can attach to your device's display to keep your screen private. They ensure that only the person in front of the screen can see what's being displayed.
This clever tech makes the screen appear dark or blurry when viewed from the side. So, whether you're on a plane, in a coffee shop, or at the library, your sensitive information stays safe from prying eyes.
Wipe yourself off the web with a data removal service
Ever feel like your personal information is everywhere online? Data removal services can help with that. These services reduce spam and lower the risk of identity theft by scrubbing your info from data broker sites.
Take Incogni, for example. It handles everything for you, sending and tracking removal requests to over 180 major data brokers. It's a hands-off approach that keeps your privacy intact without you lifting a finger.
Learn how to spot a phishing scam before it’s too late
Ever received an email claiming to be from your bank or a store asking for personal info? That's phishing – a sneaky way scammers try to steal your sensitive details through emails, calls, or even snail mail. They might lure you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that could compromise your security.
Stay cautious with unsolicited emails and texts. Double-check who the sender really is before clicking anything fishy. If an email seems off – like using a generic greeting or pushing you to act fast – trust your gut and don't click on suspicious links.
Hover over links in emails to check the URL before clicking, and be extra careful with attachments from unknown sources. Use spam filters and tools that spot phishing attempts to beef up your email security.
Keeping up with scammers in the age of AI
As AI technology continues to advance, scammers are leveraging it to clone voices from brief audio clips, enabling sophisticated schemes such as “family emergency scams”. These scams exploit AI's ability to mimic familiar voices to deceive victims into believing they are communicating with a loved one in need of financial assistance. Financial experts strongly recommend taking proactive measures like freezing credit and appointing a financial surrogate for aging parents early on to protect their identity and assets from such manipulative tactics.
To bolster protection against these evolving scams, consider educating elderly family members about the risks and ensuring they have safeguards in place, such as verifying the authenticity of requests for personal information over the phone or email. Keeping abreast of the latest scam trends empowers you to stay ahead and effectively secure your financial well-being.
Set up bank alerts for real-time protection
Take advantage of electronic banking alerts to receive real-time updates on activities in your checking, savings, and credit accounts, including statements. These alerts act like an early warning system against potential fraud or unauthorized transactions. Getting alerts for unfamiliar activities enables you to act quickly, either by halting transactions or notifying your bank promptly.
Additionally, setting alerts for large purchases can help detect and investigate unauthorized transactions swiftly and effectively.
Keep your physical documents safe
Keep your important documents safe by storing items like Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, and financial papers (such as bank statements and tax records) in a secure safe or lockbox.
It's a good idea to regularly update your inventory of these documents to ensure everything important is accounted for and easily accessible when needed.
To thwart mail theft, make a habit of collecting your mail daily. Keep an eye out for expected mail that doesn’t arrive on time, and consider putting your mail on hold while you're away to prevent it from piling up.
Shred sensitive documents the right way
Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding documents that contain personal information before disposing of them. Identity thieves can potentially retrieve discarded documents from the trash, making shredding essential. Ensure to shred sales receipts, ATM receipts, paid credit card statements, and IRS correspondence.
For enhanced security, opt for cross-cut, confetti-cut, micro-cut, or crypto-cut shredders over strip-cut shredders. These types of shredders provide better protection by thoroughly destroying documents into smaller pieces, making it harder for thieves to piece them back together.
Erase your digital footprint before recycling electronics
Before donating or getting rid of electronics, it's essential to wipe them clean to prevent deleted files from being recovered by data recovery programs and to minimize the risk if the device falls into the wrong hands. You can use disk cleaning utilities or overwriting tools to permanently erase data from computer drives.
For smartphones or tablets, a hard reset or factory reset restores the device to its original settings and removes personal data, ensuring your information stays private.
Report identity theft right away
If you suspect identity theft, reporting it promptly to the FTC is crucial. This can help prevent further incidents by holding the criminals accountable and providing you with personalized recovery assistance. Also, contact the fraud departments of the companies where the fraudulent activities occurred and follow up in writing to ensure your concerns are addressed. It's important to close any accounts that have been tampered with or fraudulently opened to secure your financial well-being.
Maintain a detailed log of all your interactions with authorities and financial institutions, noting down dates, names, and phone numbers. This helps keep track of your efforts and ensures all necessary steps are taken to resolve the issue effectively.
What are identity theft protection services — And are they worth it?
Identity theft protection services keep a close watch on various databases to safeguard your personally identifiable information (PII). They'll alert you if your PII pops up on places like the dark web, social media sites, USPS address change requests, court records, or utility service orders. These services also include features like credit monitoring, which keeps an eye on changes in your credit report over time.
In case you become a victim of fraud, these services step in to help cover the costs of restoring your identity. They often come with identity theft insurance, offering up to $1 million to cover expenses such as legal fees and lost wages. This means you get financial support to handle the aftermath of identity theft, making the recovery process less stressful.
Deciding whether to use an identity theft protection service depends on your comfort level with risk and the peace of mind you seek. If you prefer having experts monitor your information, investing in a protection service could be worthwhile.
Choosing the right identity theft protection service: A quick guide
Identity theft protection services offer various tools to keep your personal information safe from cybercriminals. Whether you're worried about data breaches, phishing scams, or unauthorized access, picking the right service can give you peace of mind and a proactive defense against threats. Here's what to look for:
Monitoring – Top identity theft protection services go beyond basic monitoring. They actively scan various platforms, including public records, credit files, and the dark web, to detect any signs of your personal information being compromised early on.
Protection – Beyond monitoring, these services offer robust protection features. They provide antivirus software to safeguard against malware, secure browsing tools to protect your online activities, VPNs for encrypted internet connections, and spam call blockers to prevent fraudulent calls. Moreover, they assist in removing your personal data from risky online locations and data brokers, minimizing the risk of identity theft.
Notifications – Timely alerts are essential for staying ahead of identity fraud. Reputable services offer prompt notifications of suspicious activities, ensuring you're informed promptly. Whether it's unusual transactions, new credit applications, or changes to your credit report, these alerts empower you to take immediate action to protect your identity.
Resolution – In the unfortunate event of identity theft, effective services provide dedicated support to guide you through the resolution process. They offer identity theft insurance to cover eligible expenses and losses, such as legal fees and lost wages, helping you recover financially from any damages incurred.
Armed with this information, we can now evaluate and compare different identity theft protection services to find the one that best suits your specific needs.
Free vs paid identity theft protection: Is premium really worth it?
| Feature | Free identity theft protection | Paid identity theft protection |
| Real-time credit monitoring | ❌ (sometimes missing or delayed alerts) | ✅ ( with near-instant alerts for suspicious activity) |
| Identity recovery assistance | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lost funds insurance coverage | ❌ | ✅ (often up to $1 million for stolen funds) |
| Dark web monitoring | ❌ (rarely) | ✅ |
| Social media monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Alerts about identity theft news | ❌ (rarely) | ✅ (alerts about recent breaches and emerging threats) |
| Local sex offender registry alerts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Trial or money-back guarantee | N/A | ✅ (risk-free trial or full refund) |
Opting for a paid identity theft protection service offers more benefits than free options. Paid plans include features like real-time credit monitoring to alert you quickly to potential identity theft issues. They also assist with recovering your identity and covering lost funds, often up to $1 million. Paid services go further by monitoring the dark web for stolen data, watching social media for risks, and sending alerts about identity theft news and local sex offender registries.
Moreover, many top identity theft protection services offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to try the service risk-free before committing.
In contrast, free identity theft protection services have limitations. They might offer basic monitoring but lack comprehensive coverage of the dark web or social media. Recovery assistance and insurance coverage are typically not included in free plans, leaving you without financial support if identity theft occurs.
Best identity theft protection services: Our top picks (Ranked)
After extensive research and rigorous testing, we present the top five best identity theft protection services, highlighting their security, performance, and unique features:
- Aura – Best overall protection: Aura leads the pack with lightning-fast alerts, all-in-one protection, and one of the most generous insurance policies around — up to $5 million for families. Add in a slick app, easy setup, and an exclusive 68% discount, and you’ve got a powerhouse that’s hard to beat.
- Identity Guard – Smart features at a great value: Identity Guard brings solid identity monitoring backed by IBM Watson AI, plus some thoughtful extras like a built-in password manager and secure browsing tools. Bonus: families get to cover an unlimited number of kids under one plan. Smart, right?
- NordProtect – Strong privacy with a security edge: From the folks behind NordVPN, NordProtect focuses on combining identity protection with privacy-first tools. It’s sleek, modern, and perfect for anyone who wants digital privacy and identity security wrapped into one package.
- LifeLock – Backed by Norton’s cybersecurity muscle: LifeLock still packs a punch, especially when bundled with Norton 360 antivirus. It covers the essentials well and is a solid pick for folks who want traditional name-brand protection with strong cybersecurity tools.
- IDShield – Investigators on your side: IDShield stands out with licensed private investigators on call and up to $3 million in coverage. If you're someone who likes knowing a real human has your back, this one's for you.
Each of these services offers something a little different, but they all excel at helping you stay one step ahead of identity thieves.
Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of their pricing to help you choose the best fit for your budget and protection goals:
| Starting price (Individual) | Starting price (Family) | Money-back guarantee | |
| Aura | $12/month ($9 with a coupon) | $32/month | 60 days |
| Identity Guard | $6.67/month | $10/month | 60 days |
| NordProtect | $5.49/month | N/A | 30 days |
| LifeLock | $11.99/month | $23.99/month | 60 days |
| IDShield | $14.95/month | $29.95/month | 30 days |
Even the best protection isn’t foolproof. Here’s what to do if your identity is stolen.
What to do if you are a victim of identity theft: Step-by-step guide
To address identity theft, you can take the following steps:
Trigger a fraud alert on your credit report – This will impede the opening of additional unauthorized accounts in your name.
Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently – Ensure to follow up in writing with the companies involved.
Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local police department – This creates an official record of the theft and helps in resolving the issue.
Order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies after placing a fraud alert – Check your credit reports for any inaccuracies or fraudulent activities and get incorrect information removed.
Send dispute letters for fraudulent charges or debits to the companies involved, preferably by certified mail – This helps to hide fraudulent charges and ensures your disputes are formally acknowledged.
Use new personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords when opening new accounts – This adds an extra layer of security to prevent further unauthorized access.
Request a letter from companies confirming that fraudulent accounts have been closed and debts discharged – This provides official documentation that the fraudulent accounts have been resolved.
Remember, taking these steps promptly can significantly mitigate the damage and help you regain control of your identity.
Wrapping up: Outsmarting identity thieves in the digital age
These days, your personal data is like digital gold, and there are plenty of bad actors out there hoping to mine it. But protecting your identity doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few smart moves and the right tools, you can seriously cut down your risk.
Think of it like digital hygiene: keep tabs on your credit, guard your Social Security number like it’s the crown jewels, and give your passwords a major upgrade (no more “password123,” okay?). The basics matter — but even the best DIY defenses have blind spots.
That’s where identity theft protection services come in. They monitor everything from your financial accounts to the dark web, send real-time alerts if something sketchy pops up, and help you recover fast if your info is compromised. Many services also bundle in VPNs, antivirus tools, and up to $5 million in stolen funds insurance for families.
Not sure which service to trust? Aura takes the lead with its rapid alerts, stellar insurance, and smooth user experience. Identity Guard adds clever AI and family-friendly pricing, and NordProtect is perfect if you want strong privacy tools baked right into your identity protection.
Identity theft protection reviews on CyberInsider
Discover our in-depth identity theft protection reviews on CyberInsider, where we explore the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each service to empower your decision-making:
- Aura Review
- Experian IdentityWorks Review
- IDShield Review
- LifeLock Review
- McAfee Review
- NordProtect Review
- IdentityIQ Review
- Identity Guard Review
Identity theft protection comparison guides on CyberInsider
After reviewing a variety of identity theft protection services, we've created comparison guides to help you find the ideal fit. Click the links below for more info:
- Aura vs LifeLock
- Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks
- IDShield vs Aura
- Aura vs McAfee
- LifeLock vs IDShield
- Aura vs Incogni
- Aura vs IdentityIQ
- Aura vs IDShield
- Identity Guard vs Aura
- Identity Guard vs LifeLock
- LifeLock vs Experian Identity Works
- Aura vs NordProtect
- LifeLock vs NordProtect
- Identity Guard vs NordProtect
How to protect yourself against identity theft and identity fraud FAQ
How can I tell if my identity has been stolen?
If you notice unexpected bills, unfamiliar accounts on your credit report, denied credit applications, or debt collection calls for debts you don't recognize, these could be signs of identity theft. Keeping an eye on your financial statements and credit reports can help you catch these red flags early.
How can a VPN help protect my personal information online?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data. Using a VPN allows you to browse the internet securely, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes.
How effective are credit monitoring services in preventing identity theft?
Credit monitoring services alert you to changes in your credit report, such as new accounts or inquiries. While they can't stop identity theft from happening, they can help you detect suspicious activity early, allowing you to act quickly to minimize potential damage.
What are the best identity theft protection services in 2025?
The top identity theft protection services in 2025 include Aura, LifeLock, Identity Guard, IdentityIQ, and IDShield. These services offer comprehensive monitoring, timely alerts, and robust recovery support, helping you safeguard your personal information and quickly address any incidents of identity theft.
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