Some identity theft protection companies are actually better-known for the other services that they offer. However, recognizing a dependable name can be a great way to narrow down your search for an identity theft protection plan. One popular name that now offers identity theft protection services is Experian.
Experian’s ProtectMyID plan offers a variety of services that bring peace of mind. They offer credit monitoring, internet scans, and change of address monitoring to keep your identity safe. In addition to sending you alerts regarding potential fraud, they also send you all-clear alerts so you can feel good knowing that your information hasn’t been compromised.
Quick overview
- Text or email alerts sent when potential fraud has been identified
- All-clear alerts sent to reassure you that your personal information is secure
- Daily credit monitoring
- Regularly scans the internet for your personal information, including black markets where your information can be bought and sold
- Change of address monitoring at the national and credit report levels
- Lost wallet protection
- ChildSecure protection available
- $1 million in identity theft insurance
Credit, internet, and address monitoring
Experian’s ProtectMyID plan starts with credit monitoring. Although it is important for you to check your statements each month, ProtectMyID can identify potential fraud right away because they check your Experian credit report each and every day.
Keeping your identity secure means keeping an eye on the internet. With the help of ProtectMyID, you can rest assured that your credit and debit card numbers, Social Security number, and other personal data is secure because they regularly monitor a vast number of online sources, including black markets, to safeguard your personal information.
Unfortunately, it’s fairly easy for a criminal to use your address to access your information. ProtectMyID regularly looks for red flags associated with your address at both the national and credit report levels.
Lost wallet protection
One of the easiest ways thieves can gain access to your information is by coming across your lost wallet. Ease your anxiety with ProtectMyID’s lost wallet protection services.
If you’ve lost a single card or you’ve left your wallet behind, customer service representatives can help you make the necessary calls to cancel and replace your credit, debit, and medical insurance cards. They can even remain on the line with you to help answer questions.
To make sure that you never have to deal with a lost wallet again, ProtectMyID offers advice and tips to make sure that your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Identity theft resolution services
Monitoring your personal information is only the first step in securing your identity. Experian’s ProtectMyID plan also offers identity theft resolution services to help you get your identity back.
When you contact customer service, you will be assigned a highly-trained agent who will help you throughout the whole process so you don’t have to worry about working with someone new every time you call in. Your agent will help you contact the proper authorities, assist you with paperwork, and take other vital steps in order to restore your identity. Your agent can even place a fraud alert on your Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion credit files so that other credit accounts in your name aren’t at risk.
Unique features
Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus, so they know a thing or two about keeping your credit information secure. In order to help you keep your personal information safe, they have an extensive library of online resources that address a wide range of issues that includes protecting your ID on vacation, what to do if you lose your wallet, and more. They even have a blog that is regularly updated with new information.
Although most identity theft protection agencies send out alerts if potential fraud has been identified, ProtectMyID takes it a step further by sending out all-clear alerts so you know without a doubt that your information hasn’t been compromised.
Looking for ways to save on your identity theft protection plan? Although most service providers don’t offer discounts, ProtectMyID offers a 10 percent discount to senior citizens.
How Experian’s ProtectMyID compares to other providers
Although ProtectMyID is managed by Experian, they don’t offer the credit assistance that you might expect. Your Experian credit score is available when you first sign up for their ProtectMyID plan for 30 days. However, if you choose to check up on your Experian credit score at a later date, you’ll likely have to pay for it.
They also don’t offer credit reports for either of the other two credit bureaus. Instead, they direct you to access a Central Source once a year to obtain these reports for free.
Pricing
Although ProtectMyID seems reasonably priced at first glance, it’s a bit expensive, considering the limited services they offer. Their plan costs $15.95 a month. ChildSecure protection is available, but the cost isn’t clear on their website. You’ll likely have to call and talk to a customer service representative in order to add this feature to your plan.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for basic identity theft services from one of the major credit bureaus, ProtectMyID might be the right choice for you. However, they do not provide regular credit reports as part of their monthly plan.