Data compiled by the Federal Trade Commission reveals that someone falls victim to identity theft every 14 seconds. This poses serious challenges for both individuals and businesses, with personal records becoming increasingly vulnerable to data breaches.
That's where identity theft protection services come in, and one that stands out from the crowd is IdentityIQ.
Insurance coverage of up to $1 million
Fortunly Rating
Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.
- Monthly credit reports
- Dark web monitoring in 25 languages
- Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for all plans
- Antivirus and VPN bundle
- Identity restoration case manager
- No social media tracking
- Family Protection only available with most expensive plan
IdentityIQ Overview
IdentityIQ is a comprehensive, cloud-based credit and identity theft protection solution that offers users a broad range of features. Its intuitive interface and extensive capabilities make it an ideal solution for individuals and businesses of all sizes that need to manage and secure their digital identities.
With its four-tier structure, IdentityIQ provides a scalable and customizable solution that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of any organization.
Founded back in 2010, IdentifyIQ has established itself as a reliable provider of identity theft protection services. It holds an A- rating with BBB and has a team of experts that are constantly working to help people protect their identities and personal information.
How Does IdentityIQ Work?
IdentityIQ is an online platform that covers everything from identity protection to detecting suspicious changes on your credit report. It also offers bundles with VPN and antivirus for complete protection.
The service provides a central repository system for storing and managing personal data.
With IdentityIQ, you get credit monitoring coverage, SSN alerts, file sharing network searches, national and international criminal record monitoring, credit changes, and dark web analyses.
We’d love to see a social media tracking feature, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been added yet.
Provide Information
To get started with IdentityIQ, you first need to create an account online by providing the required personal information: name, email, address, date of birth, phone number, a password, Social Security number, and financial account information.
Add Users
After a swift application process, you may be able to add users, depending on the pricing plan you purchased. If you are entitled to Family Protection, any dependents under the age of 24 who live at the same address as you will be covered and will be given access to applications and resources.
Let IdentityIQ Monitor and Alert You
Once the company reviews your application, it will begin monitoring your personal information and credit report for any suspicious activity.
If it detects anything that suggests your identity or financial information have been compromised, it will send you an alert so you can take action to secure your information.
Blocking Malware
Users get ironclad protection with the Bitdefender Total Security antivirus, which will block any attempts to infect your devices with malicious software.
At the same time, IdentityIQ employs Bitdefender Premium VPN to keep your online identity and activities anonymous.
Insurance
In the event that your identity is stolen, the company will review the case and provide you with up to $1 million in insurance coverage and restore your personal data.
IdentityIQ will also provide you with access to a team of expert recovery advisors who will guide you through the process and help you get your life back on track.
IdentityIQ Features
Aside from regular identity protection features that include national and international criminal activity monitoring, IdentityIQ offers a wide range of additional options to help businesses and individuals protect their personal assets.
Credit Reporting and Score Delivery
IdentityIQ monitors your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) in search of any changes or activity that could indicate fraud or identity theft. You can access this information in the “My Credit Scores” section.
Depending on the pricing plan you choose, you can get a monthly, biannual, or annual credit report. However, if you suspect you’ve become a victim of identity theft, there’s an option to purchase your most up-to-date report.
Daily Credit Monitoring
Combined with regular credit reports, daily credit monitoring will enable you to act quickly if you see any changes or activity on your report that you don't recognize.
You’ll get prompt alerts whenever the system notices changes of address, personal information, new credit inquiries, judgments, public records, or new credit, utility, or cell phone applications.
If you sign up for the two pricier packages, you’ll be entitled to the Enhanced Credit Monitoring feature, which monitors changes in real time.
You’ll also be notified about other alterations, such as when your TransUnion score changes by 10 points or when users are added to your credit card.
SSN alerts
The company will review any activities related to your Social Security number and let you know immediately if it is found on the dark web or any other places where it shouldn't be.
This is a step up from other services that usually won’t inform you unless your SSN is used with the wrong address or name.
Dark Web Analyses
IdentityIQ constantly scans the dark web for any mention of your personal information. If your information is found, you'll be alerted so you can take the appropriate steps.
Unlike most competitors, the company reviews the network globally and in 25 languages, and the best part is that it’s included in all pricing plans.
Bitdefender Premium VPN
IdentityIQ has partnered with Bitdefender to offer a premium VPN service. This feature encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it more difficult for identity thieves to track you online.
Whether you’re using your PC, Mac, or mobile device, IdentityIQ offers unlimited encrypted traffic for up to 10 devices via its 1,300+ servers around the world.
Anti-Virus with Bitdefender Total Security
The partnership with Bitdefender offers users access to Total Security as well. This feature provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats without compromising speeds.
Once you join and sign in, you’ll be able to pick multi-layer ransomware protection that will keep all your files safe and sound. Again, you’ll be able to protect up to 10 devices, and you’ll even get your kids fully protected with advanced parental control.
Identity Restoration and Insurance
But what if, despite all your best efforts, your identity is stolen? IdentityIQ has you covered there, too. With its identity restoration services, you'll get your life back on track in no time.
IdentityIQ will provide you with a dedicated case manager based in the US who will create a plan of action and work with you to restore your identity.
While IdentityIQ is great at identifying issues with your credit reports, you’ll probably need to employ a reputable credit repair company to resolve them.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned insurance coverage of up to $1 million covers things like legal fees, lost wages, and unauthorized electronic fund transfers.
On top of that, if you opt for the Secure Max plan, you’ll get an additional sum of up to $25,000 in ID theft insurance for your children, provided that they are under 24 years old and living with you at the time the identity theft occurred.
IdentityIQ Pricing Plans
IdentityIQ has several pricing tiers to choose from depending on the features you need.
The basic package, Secure Plus, starts at $9.99 per month and includes annual reports from the three major credit bureaus, one-bureau credit report monitoring, and up to $1 million of reimbursements for stolen funds.
The basic pricing package is more than enough for the average consumer.
Secure Pro starts at $19.99 per month and includes all of the features of the Secure Plus package, plus biannual reports from the three credit bureaus, three-bureau credit report monitoring, an enhanced credit report monitoring option, as well as criminal activity and score change alerts.
For those who need the most comprehensive protection, the Secure Max plan starts at $29.99 per month and adds a credit score simulator and tracker, family protection with up to $25,000 in ID theft insurance, and fraud restoration with LPOA, among other components.
Unfortunately, IdentityIQ doesn’t have a free trial option or a free plan. However, if you’d like to use some of the most basic features, there’s a Secure Plan which offers daily one-bureau credit report monitoring along with $1 million in reimbursements for as little as $6.99 per month.
Note that all the prices go up if you decide to add Bitdefender VPN and antivirus, but if you go for annual payments, you’ll get a 15% discount.
Complaints and Reviews
As with any product or service, there are always a few complaints. However, IdentityIQ generally seems to have satisfied customers. With an excellent Better Business Bureau A- rating and positive reviews from reputable agencies, IdentityIQ is a company you can trust.
IdentityIQ Pros and Cons
IdentityIQ offers comprehensive protection and prevention against identity theft, with a special focus on credit score reports. It's one of the few companies that provides real-time credit monitoring and dark web surveillance as part of its base package.
IdentityIQ complaints, on the other hand, give us an insight into areas where the company could improve. We’d love to see a mobile app that would make it easier to keep an eye on your credit score. Also, the family package is pretty limited and is only part of the most expensive pricing tier, which can be a turn-off for some customers.
Furthermore, without a free trial or a free plan, it can be tricky to decide if the service is worth the money. Finally, social media tracking would be a great addition, as it can give you an early warning of identity theft attempts.
How IdentityIQ Compares to Other Similar Services?
Start from $6.99 per month
Up to $1 Million
Start from $8.99 per month
Up to $1 Million
Start from $14.95 per month
Up to $1 Million
Bottom Line
The company is among the most reliable and comprehensive credit monitoring services.
It can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for extensive protection against identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
With its base package, you’ll get daily credit monitoring and dark web surveillance, which are rare in the industry.
Higher-paid packages will provide you with monthly credit reports, which can tell you if your identity has been compromised.
Finally, the possibility to bundle Bitdefenders’ VPN and antivirus products makes the IdentityIQ offer hard to refuse.
FAQ
Is IdentityIQ legit?
IdentityIQ is a legitimate identity theft protection service that also specializes in credit report monitoring.
How much does IdentityIQ cost?
The price of the most basic credit monitoring services starts at $6.99 per month. There are three more pricing tiers, which will cost you $9.99, $19.99, and $29.99 per month, respectively.
If you choose to bundle in the Bitdefender VPN and antivirus, the prices will go up. However, the company offers a 15% discount if you pay annually.
How do I cancel IdentityIQ?
The company reviews your cancellation request as soon as it receives one and allows you to cancel your subscription online or over the phone during business hours.
You’ll just have to verify your identity while on the phone with customer service. However, the company won’t refund your payments.