Complete ID (Costco) - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
Complete ID (Costco) - Product Overview
Introduction to Complete ID (Costco)
Complete ID is an identity theft and credit monitoring service specifically designed for Costco members. This service is a collaboration between Costco and Experian, one of the major credit bureaus.
Primary Function
The primary function of Complete ID is to protect its users against identity theft and fraud. It achieves this through comprehensive monitoring of various aspects of your identity and financial health.
Target Audience
Complete ID is targeted at Costco members, particularly those who are looking for an affordable and reliable identity theft protection service. It is especially beneficial for Executive, Business, and Gold Star members, as the pricing varies based on the type of Costco membership you hold.
Key Features
- Identity Monitoring: Complete ID monitors your Social Security number, dark web activity, financial accounts, criminal records, and other personal information to detect any unauthorized use.
- Credit Monitoring: The service provides three-bureau credit monitoring, including reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, along with VantageScore credit scores. You will receive alerts for any new accounts opened in your name or other changes to your credit reports.
- Identity Restoration Services: If your identity is stolen, Complete ID offers dedicated restoration specialists to help you through the process of restoring your identity.
- Child Identity Monitoring: You can add up to five children to your plan, which includes social media monitoring, dark web scanning, and checks for fraudulent names and addresses associated with your child’s Social Security number.
- Financial Account Monitoring: Complete ID monitors various financial accounts such as credit or debit cards, bank accounts, and retail or membership cards to alert you of any fraudulent activity.
- Identity Theft Insurance: The service provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover restoration costs.
Additional Benefits
- Alert System: Complete ID allows you to set up various alerts, including personal and financial alerts, to keep you informed about any potential threats to your identity.
- 24/7 Support: Users have access to round-the-clock customer support to address any concerns or issues related to their identity protection.
Overall, Complete ID offers a comprehensive and affordable solution for Costco members looking to protect their identities and financial health.
Complete ID (Costco) - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Overall Experience
The user interface and overall user experience of Costco’s Complete ID identity theft protection service have some notable characteristics, though they also come with a few drawbacks.
Interface Design
The interface of Complete ID is described as functional but not particularly engaging. It has a “dull” and business-like appearance, similar to that of TurboTax, with a predominantly blue theme that is straightforward but lacks visual appeal. The layout can be somewhat challenging to use, especially for new users. The interface features a lot of white space and small text, which can make it necessary to scroll extensively to find the desired sections.
Ease of Use
While Complete ID offers a comprehensive set of features, its ease of use is a mixed bag. Setting up the service and accessing the dashboard is relatively straightforward, especially when using a web browser. However, the mobile apps have poor ratings, with users reporting multiple errors and an unreliable experience.
On the desktop, users have reported that the interface can be confusing, particularly when trying to find specific features or return to the main alerts dashboard. For example, clicking the “Home” button does not always take you back to the main dashboard, and users need to use the notification bell instead.
Alerts and Monitoring
One of the positive aspects is the extensive alert system. Users can set up various alerts for personal and financial information, including credit score changes, address changes, and dark web monitoring. These alerts are crucial for identity monitoring, but their placement on the dashboard could be more intuitive.
Support
Despite the interface issues, Complete ID offers direct and responsive customer support. Users can contact support via a toll-free number available 24/7, which is reassuring for those dealing with identity theft issues. However, there are no other contact options such as email or chat support.
Security
From a security standpoint, Complete ID implements measures like session timeouts to protect sensitive information, which can be both a feature and a minor inconvenience. However, it lacks two-factor or multi-factor authentication options, which is a notable omission.
Conclusion
In summary, while Complete ID provides a good set of features for identity theft protection at a low cost, its user interface and ease of use could be improved. The service is more suitable for users who are already comfortable with basic identity monitoring tools and are looking for a cost-effective solution as part of their Costco membership.
Complete ID (Costco) - Key Features and Functionality
Key Features and Functionality of Complete ID (Costco)
Complete ID, offered through Costco, is a comprehensive identity theft protection service that includes several key features and tools to safeguard your personal and financial information.Identity Monitoring
Complete ID provides extensive identity monitoring, which includes:- SSN Monitoring: Tracks any suspicious activity related to your Social Security number.
- Personal Information Monitoring: Monitors your email address, phone number, driver’s license, passport, and medical ID numbers for any suspicious activity.
- Criminal Record Monitoring: Checks court system records to see if your personal information matches any criminal records.
- Dark Web Surveillance: Scans the dark web for instances of your personal information being shared, including email addresses and phone numbers.
Credit Monitoring
- Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring: Monitors your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, providing comprehensive credit monitoring. This includes credit reports and VantageScore credit scores.
Financial Account Monitoring
- Financial Account Alerts: Automatically monitors the payment method used to pay for your subscription and allows you to add additional credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and retail or membership cards for monitoring. This helps in detecting fraudulent financial activity.
Identity Restoration Services
- If your identity is compromised, Complete ID offers identity restoration services to help you recover and restore your identity.
Digital Privacy Tools
Complete ID has recently introduced Digital Privacy tools, which include:- Password Manager: Securely stores your login information across devices, protecting against unwanted account access.
- Secure VPN: Keeps your Wi-Fi connected device, IP address, and location information private from third parties, ensuring safer internet connections.
- Safe Browser: Alerts you if you visit an unsafe website, blocks unwanted ads, and helps prevent data tracking by companies.
Benefits and AI Integration
- Alert System: Complete ID sends alerts via email or text messages for various types of monitoring, such as personal information found on the dark web, suspicious financial activity, or changes in your credit reports. This proactive alert system helps you take immediate action if necessary.
- AI-Driven Monitoring: While the specific AI technologies used are not detailed, the service leverages advanced monitoring capabilities to scan vast amounts of data, including the dark web and public records, to identify potential threats to your identity. This automated monitoring ensures continuous protection without manual intervention.
Additional Features
- Identity Theft Insurance: Provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover costs associated with identity theft recovery.
- Social Media Monitoring: Monitors connected social media accounts for any privacy or reputation risks, currently supporting Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Neighborhood Watch: Alerts you about registered sex offenders in your area and if any of your personal information is associated with them.
Accessibility
- Complete ID is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps, although the web browser experience is recommended due to the poor ratings of the mobile apps.
Complete ID (Costco) - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Costco’s Complete ID Identity Theft Protection Service
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Costco’s Complete ID identity theft protection service involves several key aspects:
Monitoring and Alerts
Complete ID performs well in monitoring various aspects of your personal and financial information. It includes credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus, which is a significant benefit not all identity theft services offer.
- The service monitors your Social Security number, USPS address changes, the dark web, public records of criminals, and financial accounts. You can set up multiple alerts for personal and financial information, which helps in early detection of potential identity theft.
Accuracy of Alerts
While Complete ID is effective in monitoring, there are some limitations in the accuracy and timeliness of alerts. For instance, dark web alerts can take around 48 hours to populate in the dashboard, which is slower compared to some other services like Aura.
- Additionally, the service does not distinguish between unique and duplicate alerts, which can be confusing for users trying to assess the severity of the alerts they receive.
User Interface and Accessibility
The user interface of Complete ID has its limitations. The mobile apps have poor ratings, with users reporting multiple errors and an unreliable experience. It is recommended to use the web browser version for a better experience.
- The desktop platform is more stable, but users may find the session timeout limit too short, which can be annoying but is appreciated from a security standpoint.
Security Practices
Complete ID follows standard security practices, such as encrypting sensitive information with SSL (though it has been deprecated and replaced by TLS). However, there is no option to enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication, which is a significant security oversight.
- Despite this, the service does require an identity verification process when logging in through a web browser, adding a layer of security.
Customer Service
The customer service of Complete ID is generally praised. Users have reported quick response times and helpful representatives. This is partly due to the support infrastructure of Costco, which is known for its excellent customer service.
Limitations
- Enrollment Availability: Currently, Complete ID is not open for new enrollments, which is a significant limitation for potential users.
- Credit Monitoring: While Complete ID offers three-bureau credit monitoring, it is not as robust as some other services like TransUnion’s IdentityForce or Aura.
- Insurance Coverage: The identity theft insurance policy maxes out at $1 million, which is lower than some other services like LifeLock.
- Additional Features: Complete ID does not offer home title monitoring, which is a feature available in some other identity theft protection services.
In summary, Complete ID provides a solid foundation for identity theft protection with comprehensive monitoring and alerts, but it has several areas for improvement, particularly in the timeliness of alerts, user interface, and additional security features. For Costco members, the service remains a good value given its low cost and the benefits it offers.
Complete ID (Costco) - Pricing and Plans
The pricing structure of Complete ID, offered through Costco, is straightforward and varies based on the type of Costco membership you hold and the number of individuals you want to cover.
Membership Requirements
To sign up for Complete ID, you must have a Costco membership, which starts at $65 per year for a Gold Star membership and $130 per year for an Executive membership.Pricing Tiers
Here are the pricing tiers for Complete ID:For Costco Executive Members
- One Adult: $8.99 per month
- One Adult Up to 5 Children: $11.98 per month ($8.99 for the adult $2.99 for child monitoring)
- Two Adults: $15.99 per month
- Two Adults Up to 5 Children: $18.99 per month ($15.99 for the two adults $2.99 for child monitoring)
For Costco Gold Star and Business Members
- One Adult: $13.99 per month
- One Adult Up to 5 Children: $17.98 per month ($13.99 for the adult $3.99 for child monitoring)
- Two Adults: $25.99 per month
- Two Adults Up to 5 Children: $29.99 per month ($25.99 for the two adults $3.99 for child monitoring)
Features Available in Each Plan
All Complete ID plans include the same set of features, regardless of the pricing tier:- Credit Monitoring: Three-bureau credit monitoring from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, along with VantageScore tracking and annual three-bureau credit reports.
- Identity Monitoring: Social Security Number (SSN) monitoring, dark web monitoring, financial account monitoring, and alternative loan monitoring.
- Identity Restoration Services: 24/7 customer support, direct contact with a designated restoration specialist, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
- Additional Alerts: Alerts for USPS address changes, criminal record monitoring, and more.
No Free Options
There are no free options or trials available for Complete ID. You must purchase a plan to access its features. In summary, Complete ID offers a simple, tiered pricing structure based on your Costco membership level and the number of individuals you need to cover, with comprehensive features included in all plans. Complete ID (Costco) - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Complete ID, offered through Costco in partnership with Experian, integrates several tools to provide comprehensive identity protection. Here are the main components:
- Password Manager: This tool helps you create and securely store login information across your devices, protecting against unwanted account access.
- Secure VPN: This feature keeps your Wi-Fi connected devices, IP address, and location information private from third parties, ensuring safer internet connections.
- Safe Browser: This app alerts you if you visit an unsafe website, blocks unwanted ads, and helps prevent data tracking.
- Credit and Identity Monitoring: Complete ID monitors your credit reports, Social Security number, USPS address changes, dark web activity, and other personal and financial information. It also provides alerts for suspicious activities related to your identity.
These tools work together to offer proactive protection for your digital identity, but they do not integrate with external tools beyond what is provided by Experian.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Complete ID is accessible on various platforms:
- Web Browsers: You can access Complete ID through web browsers, which is the recommended method due to better performance and reliability compared to mobile apps.
- Mobile Apps: Complete ID has mobile apps for iOS and Android, although these apps have poor ratings and are known for multiple errors, making the experience unreliable. The iOS app has a 1.8 out of 5 rating, and the Android app has a 2.2 out of 5 rating.
For optimal use, it is suggested to use a web browser like Chrome on a desktop computer, as this provides a more stable and user-friendly experience.
Additional Considerations
- Social Media Monitoring: While Complete ID does offer social media monitoring, it is not prominently advertised and requires users to find the relevant section within the “Identity Monitoring” area of their account.
- Alerts and Notifications: Users can set up various alerts, including email and text message notifications, to stay informed about any suspicious activities related to their identity.
In summary, Complete ID integrates well with the tools provided by Experian but has limited compatibility issues, particularly with its mobile apps. For the best experience, using a web browser is highly recommended.
Complete ID (Costco) - Customer Support and Resources
Complete ID Overview
Complete ID, a service provided by Experian and exclusively available to Costco members, offers several customer support options and additional resources to help you manage and protect your digital identity.
Customer Support
Complete ID provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring you can get help at any time. You can contact their support team via phone at 1 (855) 591-0202, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If your identity is stolen, you have access to a team of U.S.-based, certified Identity Restoration Specialists. These specialists offer step-by-step guidance to help resolve your case, including assistance with obtaining new identification documents, working with credit agencies to restore your financial history, and removing any forged records under your name.
Additional Resources
Complete ID includes a range of tools and services to protect your digital identity:
Digital Privacy Tools
These tools include a Password Manager, Secure VPN, and Safe Browser apps. These apps help you securely store login information, keep your Wi-Fi connections private, and maintain safer internet browsing by blocking unwanted ads and preventing data tracking.
Identity Monitoring
The service monitors your personal information, such as driver’s license numbers, bank information, and social security numbers. It scans criminal databases, court records, change of address records, and the dark web to alert you of any unauthorized use of your identity.
Credit Monitoring
Complete ID provides full credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, along with alerts for any new accounts opened using your information. This helps you keep a close eye on your credit health.
Insurance Coverage
In the event of identity theft, Complete ID offers up to $1 million in insurance coverage to help with lost income, legal fees, and other damages, with no deductible required.
Online Dashboard
The service has an online interface where you can add personal details and view collected information, including your credit score graphed over time. This dashboard helps you stay informed about your identity and credit status.
These resources and support options are designed to provide comprehensive protection and assistance, ensuring you can manage and safeguard your digital identity effectively.
Complete ID (Costco) - Pros and Cons
Pros of Complete ID (Costco)
Affordable Pricing
Complete ID offers a very competitive pricing structure, starting at $8.99 per month for Executive Members and $13.99 per month for Gold and Business Members. This makes it an attractive option for those already holding a Costco membership.
Comprehensive Monitoring
The service includes a wide range of monitoring features such as dark web surveillance, personal information monitoring (including SSN, email, and phone number), financial account monitoring, criminal record monitoring, and mail change alerts. This comprehensive approach helps protect against various types of identity theft.
Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring
Complete ID provides credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), which is a significant benefit not always included in other identity theft protection services.
Identity Restoration Services
In the event of identity theft, Complete ID offers dedicated support and identity restoration services, along with up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
User-Friendly Web Interface
While the mobile apps have poor ratings, the web interface is easy to use and allows for straightforward setup and management of monitoring and alerts.
Additional Features
Complete ID also includes features like neighborhood watch, alternative and payday loan monitoring, and social media monitoring, although the latter can be somewhat hard to find within the account settings.
Cons of Complete ID (Costco)
Limited to Costco Members
The service is exclusively available to Costco members, which may not be beneficial if the only reason for the membership is to access Complete ID.
Limited Security Tools
Compared to other identity theft protection services like Norton LifeLock or IdentityForce, Complete ID lacks additional security tools such as VPNs, cloud backup, webcam blocking, and password managers.
Non-Customizable Alerts
The alerts provided by Complete ID are not customizable, which can be a drawback for users who prefer more control over their notification settings.
Poor Mobile App Performance
The mobile apps for Complete ID have poor ratings due to multiple errors and an unreliable user experience, making the web browser the recommended access method.
No Two-Factor Authentication
Complete ID does not offer an option to enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication, which is a significant security oversight.
Encryption Concerns
While Complete ID uses encryption, it relies on SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology, which has been deprecated and replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), raising some security concerns.
Overall, Complete ID is a good option for Costco members looking for an affordable and basic identity theft protection service, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking more advanced security features or customizable alert options.
Complete ID (Costco) - Comparison with Competitors
Features and Coverage
Complete ID, powered by Experian, offers a comprehensive set of features at a relatively low cost, especially for Costco members. It includes credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), dark web surveillance, personal information monitoring (including SSN, email, and phone number), financial account monitoring, and identity restoration services. It also provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and monitors for child identity theft, fraudulent financial activity, and other potential identity theft situations.Unique Features
One of the unique aspects of Complete ID is its integration with Costco membership, making it an attractive option for those already subscribed to Costco. The service also includes features like neighborhood watch, which monitors registered sex offenders in your area, and alternative and payday loan monitoring, which is not always standard in other services.User Experience
While Complete ID is generally easy to use via a web browser, its mobile apps have poor ratings due to multiple errors and an unreliable experience. This makes the web browser the recommended method for accessing the service.Security Practices
Complete ID collects and monitors a significant amount of personal information, which is encrypted using SSL technology, although this has been deprecated in favor of TLS. The service lacks two-factor or multi-factor authentication, but it does require an identity verification process upon login.Alternatives
For those who are not Costco members or need more extensive features, alternatives like LifeLock are often recommended. LifeLock offers a broader range of features, including more advanced alert systems and a well-established brand reputation, although at a higher cost.Comparison with AI-Driven Data Privacy Tools
In contrast to AI-driven data privacy tools like Protecto, Securiti AI, and DataGrail, Complete ID is more focused on individual identity theft protection rather than enterprise-level data privacy management. These AI-driven tools offer advanced features such as automated sensitive data discovery, AI-powered risk assessments, consent management, and zero-trust access controls, which are more suited for businesses and large enterprises.Protecto and Securiti AI
- Protecto specializes in detecting PII, PHI, and PCI across large datasets and ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. It is more geared towards AI applications and large-scale data protection.
- Securiti AI provides a comprehensive platform for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, focusing on data privacy automation, AI security, and consent management. It is ideal for organizations needing to identify, track, and protect sensitive data in real-time.
DataGrail
- DataGrail offers real-time data mapping, automated DSR management, and privacy risk assessments, making it a strong option for businesses looking to streamline compliance with privacy regulations.
Complete ID (Costco) - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Complete ID
What is Complete ID and who provides it?
Complete ID is an identity theft protection service provided by Experian, a global leader in identity security, and is exclusively available to Costco members. It is designed to help protect against various forms of identity theft.How do I sign up for Complete ID?
To sign up for Complete ID, you need to be a Costco member. You can find information about Complete ID on the Costco website, but you will need to go to the Complete ID website to create an account. During the sign-up process, you will need to provide your name and Social Security number to start the monitoring services.What features does Complete ID offer?
Complete ID offers a range of features including credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus, identity monitoring, identity restoration services, dark web surveillance, personal information monitoring, financial account monitoring, criminal record monitoring, and more. It also includes alerts for mail changes, alternative loans, and social media monitoring.How much does Complete ID cost?
The cost of Complete ID varies depending on your type of Costco membership. For Executive Members, the price ranges from $8.99 to $18.99 per month. For Gold and Business Members, the price ranges from $13.99 to $29.99 per month. All plans include up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and the same set of benefits.Does Complete ID offer any protection for children?
Yes, Complete ID allows you to add up to five children to your subscription plan, helping to protect against child identity theft. This feature is included in the overall plan and does not require additional costs.How does Complete ID monitor my financial accounts?
Complete ID automatically starts monitoring the payment method you used to sign up for the service. You can also add additional credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and retail or membership cards for monitoring. This helps in detecting any fraudulent activity related to your financial accounts.Is my data safe with Complete ID?
Complete ID collects a significant amount of personal information, including your name, Social Security number, and other identifiers. The service uses secure Socket Layer Technology (SSL) to encrypt sensitive information, although SSL has been deprecated in favor of TLS. Complete ID also outlines its security practices and does not share your information in unusual ways. However, there is no option for two-factor or multi-factor authentication currently available.Can I use Complete ID on mobile devices?
Yes, Complete ID is available on both web browsers and mobile apps. However, the mobile apps have poor ratings and are known for multiple errors, making the web browser the recommended method for accessing your account.What kind of support does Complete ID offer if I am a victim of identity theft?
If you are a victim of identity theft, Complete ID provides access to U.S.-based, certified Identity Restoration Specialists who offer step-by-step guidance to help resolve your case. Customer support teams are available 24/7 to assist you.Is Complete ID currently available for new enrollments?
As of the latest information, Complete ID is not open for new enrollments, but you can review the service and compare it with other identity theft protection services.How does Complete ID’s social media monitoring work?
Complete ID allows you to connect your social media accounts (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) for monitoring. This feature helps in identifying any privacy or reputation risks associated with your connected social media accounts. You need to navigate to the “Identity Monitoring” area in your account to link your social media accounts. Complete ID (Costco) - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Complete ID (Costco)
Complete ID, offered through Costco in partnership with Experian, is a straightforward and cost-effective identity theft protection service that caters specifically to Costco members. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits and limitations to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Complete ID includes monitoring of Social Security numbers, dark web surveillance, financial accounts, criminal records, and more. It also provides three-bureau credit monitoring from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, along with credit scores using the VantageScore system.
- Identity Restoration Services: The service offers dedicated identity restoration services, which can be crucial in case of identity theft.
- Insurance Coverage: It provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, offering financial protection against identity theft losses.
- Family Coverage: Plans can cover up to two adults and five children, making it a good option for families.
Pricing and Membership
The pricing varies based on your Costco membership level:
- Executive Members: $8.99-$18.99 per month
- Gold Star or Business Members: $13.99-$29.99 per month
This makes it an attractive option for those already holding a Costco membership.
User Experience
While the service is easy to set up and use via a web browser, the mobile apps have received poor ratings due to multiple errors and an unreliable experience. Therefore, it is recommended to use the web browser for accessing your account.
Limitations
- Customization: Alerts are not highly customizable, which might be a drawback for some users.
- Security Tools: Complete ID lacks some of the advanced security tools offered by competitors like Norton LifeLock, such as VPNs, cloud backup, and password managers.
- Enrollment: Currently, Complete ID is not open for new enrollments, which is a significant limitation.
Who Would Benefit Most
Complete ID is best suited for:
- Existing Costco Members: If you are already a Costco member, especially an Executive Member, this service offers a great value for the price.
- Families: The ability to cover up to two adults and five children makes it a good family-oriented option.
- Those on a Budget: For individuals looking for a low-cost identity theft protection service with essential features, Complete ID is a good choice.
Overall Recommendation
Complete ID is a solid choice for Costco members seeking basic yet effective identity theft protection at an affordable price. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of more premium services, it covers the essential features and provides good value for the cost. However, if you are not a Costco member or need more advanced security features, you might want to consider alternative services like Norton LifeLock or IdentityForce. Given its current unavailability for new enrollments, it’s important to keep an eye on when it might reopen for new subscriptions.