Protecting yourself from identity theft is nearly impossible on your own, which is why so many people turn to an identity theft agency. One provider of identity theft protection you may want to consider includes ID Watchdog.
ID Watchdog has two plans to choose from. Both plans offer a variety of services including basic monitoring, advanced identity monitoring, and full-service identity restoration with a 100% guarantee. They even offer some free services to clients who choose not to sign up for one of their plans.
Quick overview
- Searches public record databases for information associated with your Social Security number
- Advanced identity monitoring includes new addresses associated with your personal information, as well as payday loans
- Platinum service monitors all three credit bureaus and provides clients with credit scores
- NPI monitoring available for healthcare professionals
- 100% resolution guarantee
- Free credit monitoring services are available
Monitoring your personal information
Monitoring your personal information is the first step to ensuring that you don’t become a victim of identity theft. ID Watchdog offers a variety of monitoring services in order to safeguard your identity.
The first level of service involves your Social Security number. ID Watchdog will regularly monitor public record databases to identify any new activity regarding your Social Security number.
The next step of their monitoring process involves advanced identity monitoring. This service digs a bit deeper and searches the National Change of Address database to ensure someone isn’t fraudulently using your address. They keep an eye on payday loan services, as well as black markets that may be buying and selling your personal information.
When you choose their Platinum service, ID Watchdog will monitor all three credit bureaus. If potential fraud is identified, you will receive an email or text message outlining the steps you need to take to look into the matter from your Personal Information Dashboard on their website.
Two plans to choose from
Having choices is always nice when it comes to identity theft protection, and not every provider offers multiple options. ID Watchdog allows you to choose from two plans. The Plus plan offers all of the most important services you would expect from an identity theft protection agency, but it only monitors one credit bureau for information, while the Platinum plan offers Tri-Bureau credit monitoring, as well as reports.
Some sources claim that children can be enrolled in an ID Watchdog plan, but this option isn’t clear on their website. You will likely have to talk to a customer service representative to learn more. Luckily, they are available by phone and email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
100% resolution guarantee
Many identity theft protection agencies proudly offer a $1 million insurance policy and/or a guarantee. Although this is reassuring, it can be difficult to understand what that means. ID Watchdog takes a slightly different approach with a 100% resolution guarantee.
If you become a victim of identity theft under one of their plans, they will put their internal team of Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialists to work restoring your identity. They go above and beyond some other providers by asking you to sign a Limited Power of Attorney so the company can literally act on your behalf, calling creditors and filling out paperwork so you don’t have to. At the end of the process, they guarantee that they will have restored your identity to pre-theft levels.
Unique features
The feature that makes ID Watchdog unique among their competitors is the fact that they offer limited services for free. ID Watchdog has paired with BitDefender and TransUnion to provide free early warnings about changes in your credit report. Once you receive the alert, you are then free to do further research. With an actual plan, ID Watchdog would do the digging for you.
ID Watchdog is also willing to work with people who are already suffering from identity theft before they sign up for a plan. However, it is important to note that additional fees will be incurred since you signed up for a plan with a pre-existing condition.
How ID Watchdog compares to other providers
Although ID Watchdog offers some outstanding services, there are a few things they do not provide that many other providers cover.
One of the most important to consider is the fact that ID Watchdog does not monitor criminal records. In addition, they do not offer any kind of protective software that could keep criminals from hacking into your computer and obtaining your information online.
Because they focus on service, they do not provide a lot of resources to help you prevent identity theft in the first place, which many other service providers offer.
Pricing
Both plans are extremely affordable. Their Plus plan only costs $14.95, while their Platinum plan costs $19.95. It’s definitely worth an extra $5 a month to ensure that all three credit bureaus are monitored on your behalf.
The bottom line
If you are already suffering from identity theft and need assistance, ID Watchdog is a great choice. They are also a great choice for anyone who is interested in outstanding resolution services at the expense of learning how to keep personal information secure.