For many years, LifeLock offered services around identity theft protection services but was bought by Norton Symantec, a company that specialized in computer security. So Lifelock now offers additional services such as VPN, antivirus, and dark web monitoring.
Before signing up for LifeLock, you need to decide whether a paid service is worthwhile. There are a number of free alternatives such as Credit Karma that offer free ID monitoring. But if your identity is stolen, you will have to do a lot of work whereas Lifelock makes it easy.
LifeLock Review
Three types of service
LifeLock offers three tiers of service
- LifeLock Standard – $8.99 per month
- LifeLock Advantage – $14.99 per month
- LifeLock Ultimate Plus – $19.99 per month
LifeLock Standard Plan includes the following services
LifeLock Identity Alert System
This is the critical service that LifeLock offers its users. It monitors the fraudulent use of your personal information such as your social security number, address, and date of birth in an application for credit. You will get an alert by email or phone if your information is compromised.
Credit Monitoring
This service monitors your credit reports from all three credit bureaus and alerts you in case of fraud.
Stolen Funds Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed up to $25,000 if your money is stolen as a result of identity theft.
Stolen Wallet Protection
You have a lot of things in your wallet – credit cards, driver’s licenses, and insurance cards. If you lose your wallet, all you need to do is call LifeLock. LifeLock will cancel or replace your lost items by reaching out to the relevant companies or agencies.
Privacy Monitor
A lot of websites have your personal information. This service will help you opt out of those websites and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Dark Web Monitoring
On the dark web, your personal information is bought and sold. LifeLock monitors the dark web and alerts you if it finds your information traded there.
USPS Address Change Verification
Diverting mail is a strategy identity thieves use to get your information. LifeLock keeps track of your address change requests at USPS and lets you know if your address is changed.
Coverage for lawyers and experts
You will need lawyers if your identity is stolen. LifeLock will provide lawyers and experts for your case, up to $1 million.
The Advantage plan includes the following services (in addition to what you get from the Standard Plan)
Stolen Funds Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed up to $100,000 if your money is stolen as a result of identity theft (an increase from $25,000 from the Standard plan)
Court records scanning
LifeLock scans court documents so that you are not falsely linked to arrests and convictions
Fictitious identity monitoring
Identity thieves use fake personal information to open accounts. LifeLock will scan for names and accounts associated with your social security number.
Data breach notifications
Data branches happen at many companies every year and it can be hard to track if your personal information is compromised. ButLifeLock will let you know if your data is stolen.
Annual credit report and score
LifeLock provides a VantageScore 3.0 score and credit report every year
The Ultimate Plus plan includes (in addition to what you get from the Advantage Plan)
Stolen Funds Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed up to $1,000,000 if your money is stolen as a result of identity theft (an increase from $100,000 from the Advantage plan)
Alerts for checking and saving accounts
LifeLock searches for new applications made in your name at banks
Investment account activity alerts
Investment accounts give you the freedom to enjoy your retirement years. LifeLock will protect your retirement accounts from fraudulent withdrawals and balance transfers
Monitor credit files at three credit bureaus
LifeLock monitors your credit file at all three credit bureaus and sends you alerts if it finds any suspicious transactions
Bottom Line
LifeLock offers several services to protect your identity. In case your identity is ever stolen, LifeLock will give you access to experts and lawyers to get restore your identity. Though there are free alternatives such as Credit Karma, LifeLock saves you a ton of time for a small fee.
