Identity Guard Review

Introduction

Identity Guard is part of Intersections Inc. and functions as its identity theft solutions unit for consumers. Intersections is in the business of providing security and fraud protection for financial and banking institutions and they currently serve over 7 million clients globally. In addition, they also provide membership products and consumer-oriented insurance as well as screening for pre-employment background checks. These checks are performed through Screening International LLC (domestically) and in partnership with Control Risks Group Ltd. (internationally).

Features

In all, there are four levels of services designed to protect the customer’s identity. As one moves up the levels, the protection, as well as the cost, will increase. This is designed to address the individual needs and budgets of their customers.

“Good Start” Identity Protection Package

This is the first and least expensive package offered. It provides daily monitoring of the three credit bureaus as well as alerts through the customer’s email. The daily monitoring has been shown to detect fraudulent credit activity and is designed for the customer to review credit report accuracy. Changes in the customer’s credit report will be emailed to the customer, who can then verify if the change is authorized. This will help the customer limit any losses and/or impact to their credit rating. This service also provides a toll free number that customers can use to contact support. Support will help with any necessary steps that need to be taken in case of fraudulent activity.

“Watchful Eye” Identity Protection Package

The next level of protection will include the additional monitoring of known online “black market” sites in addition to all the services provided by the “Good Start” package. This service is useful for those who spend time on the Internet making transactions or who use other electronic devices for transacting business. With most electronic transactions, there is always the possibility of personal information theft. A customer who chooses this service may register up to 10 credit cards, which will be monitored continuously. The monitoring is to ensure that those credit card numbers are not being sold online for criminal purposes. If a customer loses a credit card, they can easily cancel them with this service.

“Extra Caution” Identity Protection Package

Provides the same protection service as the Watchful Eye package, but adds credit bureau scores, reports and quarterly updates from the 3 bureaus. By obtaining your reports, you will have the opportunity to check for any inaccuracies. Access to your credit scores may assist in improving financial affairs and the negotiation of new credit terms.

“Total Protection” Identity Protection Package

Provides the same protection service as the Extra Caution package, but adds access to reports on public records. Included are Social Security fraud monitoring and applications scanning. This is achieved through a proprietary combination of different technologies that scan and report the improper use of; owned property records, address information, driver’s license data, civil court judgements and other asset information. This will also include the monitoring of potential Social Security information misuse. This package also includes the useful ZoneAlarm® Internet Security Suite. Updates to this suite are provided for as long as the customer is enrolled in Total Protection. The suite provides protection against spyware and viruses as well as wireless PC protection.

Pricing

• “TOTAL PROTECTION”: $17.99 per month or $179.95 per year (saving 15%)
• “EXTRA CAUTION”: $14.99 per month or $149.95 per year (saving 15%)
• “WATCHFUL EYE”: $9.99 per month or $99.95 per year (saving 15%)
• “BASIC PROTECTION”: $4.99 per month or $49.95per year (saving 17%)

Customer Service

Identity Guard’s Dispute Center

If a credit report entry or credit score is deemed inaccurate by the customer, it is a good idea to dispute that entry before it harms one’s credit rating. A poor credit rating can have multiple negative impacts in many financial areas. Identity Guard’s Dispute Center provides the resources needed to assist their customers through the credit dispute process. At that point, helpful information is provided that will focus on the correction of those credit reporting inaccuracies.

Support is available 24/7 and can be reached through:

• Email address at: customersupport@identityguard.com
• Online FAQ at: www.identityguard.com/id-theft/faq.aspx
• Toll-free number: 1-800-452-2541

Identity Guard also offer a reimbursement policy to those customers who have lost money through identity theft while enrolled in one of their programs. The difference between the customer loss and the financial institution reimbursement will be paid – up to $1 million (with stipulations outlined on the website).