Why Identity Guard?
Identity Guard offers three different single or family membership plans that aim to protect your identity and alert you at the first sign of a possible threat.
One of their claims to fame is their partnership with IBM Watson’s artificial intelligence scanning software to take monitoring to the next level. Using algorithms that predict how your digital habits could make you vulnerable – thus instructing you how to change your habits to reduce risk.
Identity Guard prides themselves on their quick response to any potential threat, stating “We’re looking out for you 24/7 to send you the fastest alerts through mobile app notifications and email.” Identity Guard will also support you during the recovery process of identity theft. They state that if your identity is stolen as a member, they’ll reimburse you up to a million dollars* and will assist you with professional guidance every step of the way.
What we like
- Family plans offered
- IBM intelligent tracking
- Affordably priced
What we don’t like
- Limited recovery services
- Lacks sex offender scanning
- No money-back guarantee
Identity Guard Packages
Our take
The competitively priced package offers a healthy assortment of services, including dark web monitoring and alerts, safe browsing extension and a U.S. based dedicated case manager to assist with any questions or emergencies.
Package Features
- Online identity dashboard
- Anti phishing app
- $1 million insurance
Our take
In addition to the value coverage, Total monitoring protects your financial accounts tries to change your personal account information. Real-time alerts can better assist you in closing down your accounts and reporting the fraudulent activity to your bank before identity thieves cause damage.
Package Features
- Monthly credit score
- 3-credit bureau changes
- Personal threat detection
Our take
Premier is Identity Guards most comprehensive package – even providing a social insight report that monitors your social accounts for information that may provide identity thieves with the tools to commit fraud in your name.
Package Features
- Safe browsing extension
- 3-credit bureau report
- Social insight report
Compare Identity Guard Plans
| Starting price | $8.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. | $24.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank account & credit card protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dark web scan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud remediation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
| Month credit score | No | Yes | Yes |
| Investment protection | No | No | Yes |
| Triple bureau report | No | No | Yes |
| Safe browsing extension | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Three credit reports | No | No | Yes |
| Risk management score | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| $1 million identity theft insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High-risk transaction alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social insight report | No | No | Yes |
| Family monitoring available | Yes | Yes |
Identity Guard Monitoring Monthly Costs
Identity Guard offers three plans. The Value plan starts at an affordable $7.50/mo. You’ll get Dark Web monitoring, safe browsing tools and the mobile app.
The Total plan costs $16.67/mo. You’ll get everything in the Value plan, along with a monthly credit score update, tri-bureau monitoring and address monitoring.
Lastly, there’s the Premier plan which costs $20.83/mo. You’ll get all features from the Total and Value plans, plus you’ll get tax refund alerts, a credit report and social insight.
Identity Guard Credit Report Monitoring
Identity Guard gives you a credit report from all three bureaus with the Premier plan to keep a close eye on your credit. They also offer tri-bureau monitoring and credit score alerts to you’re always in the know when it comes to your credit.
Identity Guard Identity Theft Recovery
If you become a victim of identity theft, an Identity Guard expert will give you the advice to secure your information again. You’ll also have a case manager to work on your unique case until everything’s done.
Identity Guard Family Monitoring
You’ll be able to add children or your spouse to your ID theft monitoring plan with the Family plan for $27.99/mo. Unfortunately, they aren’t clear on the number of children the plan allows you to add. If you need to only add your spouse, they have a plan available for $26.99/mo. It’s best to speak with an Identity Guard expert to learn about what these plans include.
Identity Guard Mobile App
The Identity Guard mobile app includes a number of features to monitor your identity:
- See credit scores from all three bureaus
- Get instant alerts when there’s a change or suspicious activity
- Find answers to your questions about identity theft and credit
- Read the latest news on ID theft to keep you alert and aware
Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Guard
How does Identity Guard work?
Identity Guard scans thousands of transactions in a millisecond to detect any potential threats that stand out, and will alert you via email or app notification within seconds. This digitally-focused service will help you stop any potential threats before they cause damage to your sensitive information.
What is Watson?
Watson is an artificial intelligence system developed by IBM. Watson is capable of sifting through millions of transactions to detect any discrepancies in virtually no time at all. Identity Guard uses Watson’s capabilities to monitor billions of digital points of information regarding your online identity.
Will Identity Guard protect my devices?
While Identity Guard does include the protection against malware in some of its plans, it won’t protect your devices from being hacked or from viruses attacking your computer from a risky download. It’s best to employ computer virus software to protect against cyber threats such as those.
