Product Overview of Identity Guard
Identity Guard is a comprehensive identity theft protection service that has been a leader in the industry since its establishment in 1996. The service is designed to protect individuals and families from the increasingly sophisticated threats of identity theft and fraud.
Core Functionality
Identity Guard’s primary function is to monitor and protect users’ personal, credit, and financial information. Here are the key aspects of its service:
Monitoring and Alerts
- Credit Monitoring: Identity Guard continuously monitors all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) for unauthorized changes or inquiries, sending near real-time alerts for any suspicious activity.
- Dark Web Monitoring: The service scans the dark web, black market websites, secret chat rooms, and underground forums for users’ personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and passwords.
- Identity Protection: Users can provide personal information (name, address, Social Security Number, birthdate, etc.) which is then monitored across various databases and the dark web for signs of theft.
Alert System
- Identity Guard provides immediate alerts for various activities, including credit applications, bank account changes, and other potential identity theft indicators. These alerts help users quickly verify the legitimacy of the activity and take action if necessary.
Additional Features
- Fraud Alerts: Identity Guard places fraud alerts on users’ credit files to prevent fraudsters from opening new accounts in their name.
- Credit Score Monitoring: Available in higher-tier plans, this feature allows users to regularly check their credit scores and track their credit history.
- Phishing Scam Blocking and Tax Refund Alerts: The service includes tools to block phishing scams and alerts users about tax refund fraud.
- Lost Wallet Protection: If a user’s wallet is lost or stolen, Identity Guard helps cancel credit card accounts, reviews the credit report for potential fraud, and can provide up to $2,000 in emergency cash.
Identity Theft Insurance and Restoration
- $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance: All plans include up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover expenses such as legal fees, lost wages, and child care expenses incurred due to identity theft.
- Identity Restoration Services: If a user becomes a victim of identity theft, Identity Guard’s team of highly trained experts assists in restoring the user’s identity and minimizing the damage caused by the fraud.
Customer Support and Tools
- U.S.-Based Customer Support: Identity Guard offers personalized assistance and guidance from U.S.-based fraud agents to help users navigate the recovery process.
- ID Vault® PC Password Protection: This feature securely encrypts and stores usernames, passwords, and credit card information, providing easy and secure access.
Plans and Pricing
Identity Guard offers multiple service levels, from basic to advanced, with pricing ranging from $7.50 to $23.99 per month for annual plans. The higher tiers, such as the Total and Ultra plans, include additional features like credit score checks and comprehensive dark web monitoring.
In summary, Identity Guard is a robust identity theft protection service that leverages advanced technology, including IBM Watson AI, to provide comprehensive monitoring, timely alerts, and extensive support for identity restoration and fraud mitigation. Its commitment to customer support and its proven track record in resolving identity fraud cases make it a trusted choice for individuals and families seeking to protect their identities.