Curious if IDShield is a reliable pick for your identity theft protection? In this review, we’ll dive into its features, weigh the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s worth your investment.
With identity theft and fraud becoming more prevalent, safeguarding your personal information is more critical than ever. IDShield promises a range of protective services, including credit monitoring, dark web scanning, social media oversight, and identity restoration managed by licensed private investigators. But do these promises hold up in real life? We’re here to test IDShield's offerings, evaluating how effectively it shields your identity.
Trusting the information you find about identity protection is essential, and we’ve done the legwork to ensure you get honest, in-depth insights. Our review is based on comprehensive research and real-world testing, so you can rely on our findings to make an informed decision.
Before we assess if IDShield is the perfect fit for your identity protection, let’s check some important facts.
| Website | IDSield.com |
| Key identity protection features | Comprehensive credit monitoring (1-bureau or 3-bureau), dark web tracking, $1 million in identity theft insurance, and full recovery assistance. |
| Price | $14.95 – $34.95/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes (in urgent cases) |
| Best deal | N/A |
Highlights from our IDShield review
IDShield offers comprehensive identity theft protection services, including credit monitoring, dark web scanning, and identity restoration support from licensed private investigators.
The service features an attractive family plan that extends coverage to partners and unlimited dependents, highlighting its suitability for families seeking full protection.
However, it's worth noting that the basic plans only cover TransUnion and there are no discounts available for yearly plans.
Overview of IDShield identity theft protection
IDShield is packed with features that are designed to protect your identity and personal data. Here’s what they have to offer:
Credit reports monitoring: IDShield keeps track of your credit reports from TransUnion, with optional monitoring for Experian and Equifax, alerting you to new inquiries or accounts.
Dark web monitoring: Scans the dark web to detect and notify you of any personal information, like credit card numbers or medical IDs, that may have been compromised.
Up to $3 million in coverage: Financial protection with significant coverage for legal fees and expenses related to identity theft.
Lost wallet support: Assistance with canceling and replacing credit cards and identification documents if your wallet is lost.
Licensed private investigators: Expert assistance to help restore your identity if stolen, providing peace of mind in challenging situations.
Personal information monitoring: IDShield continuously monitors your Social Security number (SSN), public and court records, and medical data. This comprehensive surveillance helps identify unauthorized activity, such as new credit applications, changes in public or court databases (like address changes or legal judgments), and fraudulent use of your medical information.
Digital security tools: IDShield enhances your online safety with a suite of tools, including a VPN for securing your internet connection, malware protection to defend against harmful software, and a password manager to keep your accounts secure and easily manageable.
Parental controls: Manage and monitor your children’s online activities, helping to keep them safe from digital threats.
Reputation management services: Ongoing support to help clean up and enhance your online presence over time.
Armed with these powerful features, IDShield offers a solid defense against identity theft and online dangers, positioning itself as a trustworthy option for safeguarding your personal data.
Key benefits and drawbacks of using IDShield
IDShield is a strong contender in identity theft protection, offering a mix of useful features like recovery support and financial aid, plus a robust privacy policy. However, there are some things to consider. Let’s look at the highlights and a few drawbacks.
What we like about IDShield
- Comprehensive protection
- Instant alerts across all plans
- Robust identity theft recovery
- Social Security number tracking
- Dark web surveillance
- Financial account vigilance
- Trend Micro security suite, including a VPN, antivirus, and password manager
- Professional restoration with private investigators
What we don't like about IDShield
- Setup can be complicated
- Bare-bones basic plan
- No annual discounts for budget-conscious users
Now, let’s take a closer look at IDShield’s core features and see what makes its identity theft protection noteworthy.
Key features: What does IDShield identity theft protection include?
From credit monitoring and dark web surveillance to identity theft insurance and restoration services, IDShield offers a suite of features designed to keep your personal information secure and alert you to potential threats.
Let's explore how these features work together to offer robust protection and timely alerts for any potential threats.
Credit monitoring services
When it comes to keeping an eye on your credit, IDShield’s credit monitoring services have been a solid companion for us. Depending on your plan, you can monitor TransUnion or go for all three major bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
We’ve found the daily credit score tracker especially useful, giving us peace of mind by staying on top of any changes in our credit score. Whether it’s a new credit application, payment history updates, or overall debt shifts, IDShield keeps us in the loop with timely alerts.
Dark web monitoring
The dark web is one of those places you hope your personal information never ends up, but if it does, you want to know right away. That’s where IDShield steps in. In our experience, their dark web monitoring feels like having a vigilant watchdog scanning the darkest corners of the internet for your sensitive details – things like email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and even medical IDs.
IDShield tracks 15 different types of personal data, which is more comprehensive than we expected. If anything pops up – whether it’s from a lost wallet or a data breach – you get an immediate alert. We found this gives you a real sense of control, allowing you to take swift action and protect your identity before things get out of hand.
Identity theft insurance
IDShield’s identity theft insurance feels like a safety net we can truly rely on. For individual plans, there’s up to $1 million in coverage, but if you’re like us and want your family protected too, the family plans bump that up to $3 million. It’s reassuring to know that if identity theft hits, you’re not just left to fend for yourself.
This insurance covers a lot of ground – think legal fees, costs from fraudulent activities, and more. What we appreciate most is that it’s not just about the money. You also get support from licensed private investigators who guide you through the recovery process. It’s like having an expert in your corner, helping you navigate the stressful situation without bearing the entire financial burden alone.
Identity restoration services
What sets IDShield’s identity restoration service apart is its team of licensed private investigators. These experts, with credentials like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), are dedicated to helping you through every step of recovery.
If you spot something unusual, like a sudden drop in your credit score or unexpected charges, IDShield’s specialists are available 24/7. You’ll get more than just advice – you’ll have personalized, hands-on support from professionals who know how to tackle your specific problem.
Whether dealing with medical identity theft, credit fraud, or even criminal identity theft, they’ve got the experience to handle it. And with everything accessible via the IDShield mobile app, help is always just a tap away.
Extra tools for stronger online privacy and security
Beyond the basics of identity theft protection, IDShield includes extra features that bolster your online privacy and security. Let’s explore these options.
Social media monitoring
In today’s digital world, we all know how important it is to keep our social media profiles clean and secure. With IDShield’s social media monitoring, we’ve felt a lot more confident about our online presence. It keeps an eye on our accounts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Reddit, scanning for any signs of impersonation or harmful content.
You get instant alerts if anything suspicious pops up, so you can deal with it right away. Plus, the reputation management feature is a lifesaver – it lets you know if there’s anything out there that could hurt your online image.
Password manager
We’ve spent some time with IDShield’s password manager, and while it’s a solid tool for securely storing and organizing your login credentials, it’s not without its quirks. Powered by Trend Micro, it syncs across your devices – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS – making it easy to access your accounts wherever you are.
However, we noticed it sometimes missed capturing login details automatically, which was a bit frustrating. It also lacks advanced features we’ve come to appreciate in other password managers, like secure sharing or setting up digital legacy contacts.
VPN and malware protection
When it comes to protecting your online activities, IDShield’s VPN and malware protection have you covered.
IDShield’s VPN Proxy One is a handy tool for keeping your data safe, especially when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. We found it easy to use, and it gives you the option between two solid protocols: WireGuard for speedy, modern encryption and OpenVPN for a balanced approach to security and performance. A cool feature is the “Smart” option, which automatically picks the best protocol for your connection.
On the malware front, IDShield teams up with Trend Micro to offer solid protection against viruses and ransomware.
We’ve found this feature reassuring, as it adds an extra layer of defense against cyber threats. While it might not compete with some top-tier antivirus solutions out there, it’s a valuable addition to your overall security setup. For those who want even more protection, pairing this with a dedicated antivirus can be a smart move.
Plans and pricing: How much will you pay for IDShield?
“Whether you're looking to protect just yourself or your entire family, IDShield's plans are designed to meet your needs with flexible options.”
| Individual (1 credit bureau monitoring) | Individual (3 credit bureau monitoring) | Family (1 credit bureau monitoring) | Family (3 credit bureau monitoring) | |
| Price (paid annually) | $14.95/month | $19.95/month | $29.95/month | $34.95/month |
| 3-bureau credit monitoring | No (TransUnion only) | Yes | No (TransUnion only) | Yes |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $3M | Up to $3M | Up to $3M | Up to $3M |
| Money-back guarantee or free trial | 30-day free trial | 30-day free trial | 30-day free trial | 30-day free trial |
| Best deal | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Now, let’s go through the features of each plan one by one.
Individual plans
1-Bureau Monitoring – For just $14.95 a month, this plan gives you solid coverage by monitoring your TransUnion credit report. It includes web scanning for your personal information and instant alerts if something goes wrong. You also have direct access to licensed private investigators who can help restore your identity if needed. This plan is a great starting point if you're looking for essential protection without breaking the bank.
3-Bureau Monitoring – If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, the 3-Bureau Monitoring plan is available for $19.95 a month. It includes everything from the 1-Bureau plan but expands the credit monitoring to all three major bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. For just a few dollars more, it gives you that extra peace of mind knowing all your credit reports are being monitored.
Family plans
1-Bureau Monitoring – At $24.95 a month, this family-focused plan covers two adults and up to 10 kids. It monitors your TransUnion credit report, scans the dark web for leaks, and provides assistance if your identity is compromised. This plan includes child identity monitoring, making it a smart choice for families seeking comprehensive protection.
3-Bureau Monitoring – For $34.95 a month, this family plan offers complete credit monitoring across all three major bureaus. It’s perfect for families who want the most thorough protection possible, giving you confidence that your entire family’s financial health is safeguarded.
Is IDShield worth it?
IDShield might cost a bit more, but having licensed private investigators on your side can be worth it. The 30-day free trial gives you a chance to see if it’s right for you, and you’re free to cancel anytime with month-to-month billing.
User experience: How user-friendly is IDShield?
Setting up IDShield might take a little extra effort with multiple logins, but after that, it’s smooth sailing with an easy-to-navigate interface.
Setting up IDShield
Setting up IDShield came with a few bumps along the way, but the service itself is worth the effort. When we first tried to sign up, we hit a snag on the payment page – it just wouldn’t move forward, no matter what we tried. After a couple of attempts and some minor troubleshooting, we were finally able to complete the process.
Once everything was set up, the platform was easy to navigate, with features that were both useful and clearly explained. Despite the initial hiccups, we found IDShield to be a solid choice for identity protection, and we think it’s a service worth considering.
Navigating the dashboard
When it comes to the IDShield dashboard, it’s all about keeping things straightforward. We've found that it provides a solid, central place where you can easily manage your identity protection settings and check on your monitoring tools.
Once you're in, the layout is clean and the tabs are easy to navigate, making it simple to customize alerts, monitor your accounts, and get support when you need it. We like that you can tweak the alerts to suit your preferences, so you’re always in the loop about any suspicious activity. Even though the different interfaces threw us off at first, both versions got the job done and were pretty effective for day-to-day monitoring.
Using the mobile app
We found IDShield’s mobile app for iOS and Android to be pretty handy for managing our identity protection on the go. It’s straightforward to use, and we liked how we could quickly get alerts for any suspicious activity, check our credit reports, and access restoration features right from our phones.
There were a few bumps along the way, like some occasional login hiccups, which seem to be a common issue for others too. Despite these minor annoyances, the app has been a useful tool for keeping track of our identity security wherever we are.
How to cancel your IDShield subscription
Cancelling your IDShield subscription is fairly straightforward. If you decide it’s time to cancel, you have a couple of options:
By phone: Call IDShield’s customer support at 800-654-7757. A representative will guide you through the cancellation process.
By email: You can also email their support team at support@legalshieldcorp.com. Be sure to include your name, membership number, phone number, and a clear request to cancel your membership.
Canceling within the 30-day free trial means you won’t be charged. IDShield runs on a pre-paid monthly plan, so you can cancel anytime without penalties.
Customer service: Are you getting the support you need?
When it comes to customer support, IDShield offers a solid range of choices. Their support team is available during business hours from 7 AM to 7PM (CT) on weekdays, which is pretty convenient. For those urgent issues, like if you’re dealing with a lost or stolen wallet, there’s 24/7 emergency assistance available, which is a huge plus.
We had a good experience with the live chat feature. It’s quick and handy for getting answers on the spot. If you prefer speaking to someone, you can call IDShield at 1-888-494-8519 or shoot them an email at idshield@legalshield.com. They’re pretty efficient with email responses, usually getting back to you within 24 hours.
While the FAQ section on their site is helpful, it doesn’t have a deep dive into more detailed guides. So, for anything beyond basic questions, we’d recommend using live chat or giving them a call.
Data privacy and security: How secure is your sensitive info?
IDShield keeps a close eye on your credit reports and scans the dark web to protect your information. To do this, they need your name, address, payment details, and SSN. It might seem like a lot, but it’s necessary to catch any misuse of your data. They also collect basic info like IP addresses and cookies from your interactions with their site.
We were pleased with IDShield’s security, particularly with multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the mobile app. This adds extra protection with both biometric verification and a PIN. Despite being based in the US, where data access laws are strict, IDShield has a strong track record and hasn’t had any major breaches.
Overall, we feel confident in IDShield’s ability to keep your personal information safe and secure.
IDShield vs competitors: How does it stack up?
Curious how IDShield measures up? Here’s a closer look at how it compares to leading identity theft protection services:
Here’s how IDShield compares with some major identity theft protection services:
- IDShield vs Aura: Aura excels with its digital security tools, like a VPN and antivirus software, but doesn’t offer the personalized support IDShield does. IDShield stands out with licensed private investigators and a junk mail opt-out service. While Aura provides three-bureau credit monitoring in all plans, IDShield includes this only in higher-tier plans.
- IDShield vs LifeLock: LifeLock’s “Ultimate Plus” plan matches IDShield with up to $3 million in identity theft insurance. LifeLock also includes Norton 360 for antivirus and VPN protection, which IDShield lacks. However, IDShield sets itself apart with licensed private investigators and hands-on support, offering a unique level of personalized assistance that LifeLock’s digital tools don’t provide.
IDShield vs Identity Guard: IDShield and Identity Guard both offer dark web monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. IDShield stands out with unique features like junk mail opt-out and licensed private investigators. Identity Guard emphasizes financial monitoring and has a competitive family plan. While Identity Guard excels in financial protection and affordability, IDShield’s personalized support is a key advantage.
Overall, IDShield stands out for its personalized support and unique features like junk mail opt-out. With its comprehensive coverage and hands-on assistance, it’s a top contender in the identity theft protection market.
Final verdict: Should you choose IDShield for identity theft protection?
What sets IDShield apart is its unique offering of dedicated licensed private investigators who can personally assist you if your identity is compromised. It also provides credit monitoring and dark web surveillance to keep an eye on your personal information.
We also appreciated the user-friendly mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which made managing our protection straightforward. With plans starting at $14.95 per month and an affordable family option, IDShield offers solid value.
However, we did notice that IDShield reserves three-bureau credit monitoring for higher-tier plans. Additionally, while their digital security tools are good, they don’t include extras like a VPN or antivirus software.
If you’re looking for a service with a broader range of digital security tools, you might want to check out Aura. Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring in all plans, plus a VPN, antivirus software, and AI-powered spam protection. Their comprehensive digital security features make it a strong contender. We also have an Aura vs LifeLock comparison you may find helpful.
IDShield FAQ
Is IDShield legitimate?
Yes, IDShield is a legitimate and trusted service for identity theft protection. With years of experience, they offer comprehensive monitoring services, including credit and dark web monitoring. What sets them apart is the access to licensed private investigators, who are there to assist you if your identity is compromised. IDShield has a solid reputation and positive reviews from users who appreciate the hands-on support and thorough protection.
How much does IDShield cost?
IDShield offers competitive pricing, starting at $14.95/month for individual plans. If you’re looking to protect your entire family, they also have a family plan that covers your partner and unlimited dependents for a slightly higher fee.
Is IDShield better than Aura?
No, Aura takes the lead with a more comprehensive offering. For those focused on digital security, Aura’s package, which includes a VPN, antivirus software, and AI-powered spam protection, is hard to beat. With three-bureau credit monitoring included in every plan, Aura provides a more extensive and solid choice compared to IDShield’s tier-based approach.
How can I cancel my IDShield subscription?
Canceling your IDShield subscription is straightforward. You can either call their customer service at 800-654-7757 or send an email to support@legalshieldcorp.com. Be sure to request written confirmation of your cancellation to avoid any future charges. If you’re still in the 30-day free trial period, you can cancel without incurring any fees. Just keep in mind that until you receive official confirmation, your membership is still active.
This IDShield review was last updated on September 9, 2024.
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