by Keith Morris
Topic: ID Theft
> 1 min read
9.1
Features
9.2
Service
9.1
Convenience
9.1
Rating
PROS
CONS
Verdict
It’s hard to miss the fact that there’s little difference between the ID Watchdog Plus and ID Watchdog Platinum plans and that you have to shell out almost 35% extra to get access to your credit reports. Not to mention they currently aren’t offering any family plans.
If you’ve been putting off your online security then it won’t take long before you end up with a huge dent in your bank account, credit health or worse, with your identity and that of your loved ones on the dark web.
If you’re thinking, “I’m not exactly a multimillionaire; so I’m safe”, you couldn’t be more wrong!
Absolutely no one is safe!
Even if you have a few hundred dollars in your checking account, you’re a target. And the financial dent is only one part of the picture. Once your identity is compromised, you get exposed to risks that are much higher. Stolen identities are often used to commit crimes.
So it makes perfect sense to start thinking about your online security and privacy proactively.
Let’s discuss in more detail how identity theft has changed the modern business landscape and how it affects us all.
We have also added an in-depth review of an online ID protection service called ID Watchdog. So read on to find out what exactly it provides you with and decide if it’s the right choice for YOU!
Compare Plans
Features | STANDARD | PREFERRED |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | ||
Credit Report Monitoring | 1 Bureau | 3 Bureau |
Credit Score Tracker | 1 Bureau Daily | |
Vantage/Credit Scores | 1 Bureau Daily/3 Bureau Annually | |
Credit Report Lock | 1 Bureau | Multi Bureau |
Financial Accounts Monitoring | ||
ID Theft Resolution Specialist | ||
Equifax Child Credit Lock | Included in Family Plan | Included in Family Plan |
Add Second Adult | Included in Family Plan | Included in Family Plan |
Add Up to 4 Children | Included in Family Plan | Included in Family Plan |
Identity Theft Insurance | Up to $1 Million | Up to $1 Million |
Stolen Fund Reimbursement | Up to $500,000 |
ID Watchdog Reviews
What is it?
ID Watchdog is a relatively well-known online ID protection service. It is run and owned by Equifax, which most people know as a major consumer credit report agency. That being said, the company also had a data breach back in 2017, when personal information of more than 140 million people was compromised – something to take into account.
ID Watchdog isn’t the only online identity protection service that Equifax owns and runs – it also operates ID Trust.
Features and Services
Let’s see what the service offers in terms of ID security, surveillance and the restoration process for ID theft victims.
Although it may still have a long way to go before it can match the current industry leaders; it still manages to provide a reliable surveillance and ID restoration framework. This includes the $1 million insurance cover in case of ID theft. Here’s what you should expect:
A robust monitoring framework
ID Watchdog essentially has two-tier data surveillance to ensure security. To start off, they will continuously monitor public records and data avenues to sniff out any signs of identity breach.
To further bolster security, ID Watchdog services also monitor the USPS National Change of Address Registry. This is especially helpful when hackers divert your mail and other sensitive information to a different address. This significantly speeds up the detection process, allowing you to respond immediately.
Loan database surveillance
It’s a common practice that loans are taken out against stolen identities. ID Watchdog provides round the clock surveillance of subprime loan database to ensure that no loans are being taken out against your name without authorization.
Dark web monitoring
If your identity gets stolen, then it is quite likely that it will end up on the dark web available to the highest bidder. ID Watchdog will extensively scour all such avenues to make sure that your sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Multiple alerts
A close eye will be kept on your credit reports, financial data points, and other sensitive information. To start off, an ID Watchdog representative will ring you to confirm and report any activity. You will also receive alerts through email, texts, and the mobile app. Moreover, you can customize the frequency of these alerts to match your preferences.
Fully managed resolution
ID Watchdog has a robust identity restoration process for ID theft victims. They have formed an exclusive department to assist victims. It is called Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialists (CITRMS). Each victim is dealt on a case by case basis and assisted throughout the entire process of identity and financial restoration.
$1 million insurance cover
As an ID theft victim, you will be eligible for up to $1 million insurance cover in the ID Watchdog plans. However, we strongly recommend thoroughly going through the documentation to properly understand the eligibility criteria.
Credit monitoring
You will have access to credit monitoring. However, the extent of monitoring will vary according to the plan you choose. The entry-level ID Watchdog plan offers credit monitoring from only 1 of the 3 credit agencies. If you want it from all three credit bureaus i.e. Equifax, TransUnion and Experian then must shell out extra cash to sign up for the Platinum plan.
Credit scores and reports
This feature is only available for the ID Watchdog Platinum plan but you get your credit scores and reports from all 3 agencies.
National provider identifier (NPI) alerts
This feature is somewhat unique and especially handy if you work in the healthcare sector. It’s not uncommon to come across cases of healthcare fraud. ID Watchdog will immediately let you know if any activity has taken place against your NPI.
Plans
ID Watchdog offers a pretty simple plan classification. It offers two plans – Plus and Platinum. Let’s see what each of these has to offer.
1. ID Watchdog Plus
It will cost you $14.95 a month. However, if you’re looking to save some cash then you can sign up for their annual plan which will cost $149.95 for the year. Your monthly bill will come down to $12.50. Apart from the yearly credit scores and reports, you will have access to all the features that we discussed above.
2. ID Watchdog Platinum
It will cost you significantly more than the Plus plan with a monthly charge of $19.95. For the additional charge, you get only one extra feature – the yearly credit scores and reports from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. All the other features are the same as the Plus plan. You can also opt to pay annually, which will cost you $219 or $18.25 a month.
Unfortunately, ID Watchdog doesn’t seem to offer any family plans at the moment, which is surprising considering most of its competitors offer one.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion – Is It Worth Your Cash?
It’s hard to miss the fact that there’s little difference between the ID Watchdog Plus and ID Watchdog Platinum plans and that you have to shell out almost 35% extra to get access to your credit reports. Not to mention they currently aren’t offering any family plans.
Although ID Watchdog does cover the basics, however, the overall package is underwhelming - especially if you compare it with some of the other similarly priced options. Compare ID Watchdog and LifeLock easily and gauge their features and benefits.
Other products that you might be interested in
All About Identity Theft
What is it?
Any action that aims to obtain access to your sensitive information without your knowledge and permission comes under identity theft.
The Dangers Of Identify Theft And Why You Must Act Now?
You see, it’s not only your life that gets affected if a hack takes place. It exposes your entire family to huge risks. Apart from severe financial damage, your legal record and reputation are at stake. There are countless reasons for taking onboard a reliable online ID theft protection service.
Here’s How You Can Choose The Right One For You
Here’s what to consider while deciding on a service:
About the Author
Keith Morris is a 20+ year veteran of the security game, with the knowledge and experience to set you on the right track toward personal safety and security. His firm is committed to giving you the tools and know-how to combat any threat to your safety.
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