IDShield: Identity Theft Protection Services, Features, Benefits, and FAQ's
Patrice Samuel Robinson, Independent Associate of PPLSI - LegalShield Legal Services
PPLSI | LegalShield Legal Services | Small Business Legal Service Solutions | Nowsite AI Business Solutions
IDShield is the most comprehensive identity theft protection service available regardless of your choice to protect yourself, your family, or the number of credit bureaus that monitor your account. You’ll get best-in-class service that provides continuous monitoring, includes unlimited recovery of your identity if you are compromised, and educates you about identity theft.
Knowing about a problem and fixing it is entirely different. IDShield alerts you to potential theft and fraud with your personal information and then works with you to resolve it. Our award-winning resolution services are just one of the things that separate us from our competitors.
Identity Theft Protection Services, Features, and Benefits
Trend Micro Maximum Security:
The cloud-based AI technology offered by Trend Micro delivers highly effective and proactive protection against ever-evolving malware infections.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) Proxy One:
Convenient protection anywhere you connect, including hotels, cafes, offices, and schools through encrypted communications provided by Trend Micro’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) Proxy One. Filters help block malicious websites, online fraud, and internet scams. Full anonymity; no location or online activity tracking. Safeguards are provided when you connect to a risky Wi-Fi network.
Password Manager:
Address Change Monitoring:
IDShield monitors your home address with the Canada Post and the United States Postal Service and sends an alert if a change of address has been requested.
Auto Monitoring:
Receive auto monitoring services after providing your First and Last Name, Date of Birth, Address, and full Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN), or last 4 SIN or SSN.
Continuous Credit Monitoring:
IDShield monitors your TransUnion (One-Bureau Plan) or Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax (Three Bureau Plan) credit reports. If changes or inquiries occur, you’ll receive an instant alert.
Court Records Monitoring:
Searches online court records for different Personal Identifiable Information (PII) elements. We search millions of criminal records across local, provincial or state, and federal data sources including county courts, Department of Corrections, Administration of the Courts, and other legal agencies to see if your personal information has been used.
Credit Threat Alerts:
If any changes or updates are found on your credit report, we will send you a credit threat alert.
Dark Web Monitoring:
Extensive monitoring of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) across the dark web. Information monitored on the dark web includes:
Data Breach Notifications:
Provides links to large and high publicity data breaches.
Financial Threshold Account Monitoring:
Receive an alert on financial withdrawals, balance transfers, and large purchases on financial accounts for transactions made in excess of a set monetary amount. Includes checking, savings, 401k accounts, loans, and more.
Hard Credit Inquiry Alerts:
Monitors for credit report inquiries that show up when your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is used on applications for bank/credit cards or loans.
High-Risk Application Monitoring:
Monitors the largest proprietary database of new account application data to detect potentially fraudulent accounts during the initial application process, allowing fraud detection earlier than traditional credit monitoring services.
Identity Threat Alerts:
If your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is found through IDShield’s monitoring services an identity threat alert is sent via email and through push notifications on the mobile app. If no threats are found, you will instead receive a monthly “no activity” notice.
Medical Data Reports:
Offers a link to medical data reports that you can review for inaccurate or fraudulent information.
Minor Child Monitoring:
With the IDShield Family Plan, IDShield monitors up to 10 dependent children under the age of 18. You will receive an alert if your child’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN) is used to create any new accounts or included in credit applications, loans, court documents, etc.
Available in Family Plans Only.
Monthly Credit Score Tracker:
Keep an eye on changes to your credit score with a 12-month historic view of your credit trends.
Payday Loan Monitoring:
IDShield provides non-credit loan monitoring for short-term payday or similar cash advance loans. We screen online, rent-to-own, and payday lender storefronts for unauthorized activity.
Personal Internet Monitoring:
Scans the internet to see if your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is found online. If an exact match is discovered, you will receive an identity threat alert.
Public Records Monitoring:
IDShield monitors billions of public record reports from more than 10,000 diverse sources to screen for multiple different pieces of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including name, address, phone number, email, Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN), and more.
Reputation Management:
Scans your social media accounts for existing content that could be damaging to your online reputation. Posts and comments that contain harmful language or images will be flagged for review.
Reputation Score:
Ranks your online reputation risk by giving you a score based on the content found on your social media accounts. IDShield offers tips to improve your score and flag social posts that might contain harmful images or language.
Sex Offender Monitoring:
IDShield monitors your home address and will send you an alert if a registered sex offender moves into your neighborhood.
Sex Offender Search:
Search for sex offenders within an adjustable radius of your home address, see details of those sex offenders and receive alerts when new sex offenders move in.
Social Media Monitoring:
IDShield monitors popular social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for information that may put your privacy at risk, such as your home address, email address, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN).
Sub-Prime Monitoring:
Sub-Prime Monitoring searches transaction data for rent-to-own, buy-here-pay-here auto dealers, title pawn, and sub-prime loan applications. You will be notified when new transactions are discovered.
Telecom Monitoring:
Monitors more than 1.5 million phone records to ensure that your phone number is not being redirected.
Username/Password Credentials Monitoring:
Continuously scans username/password combinations and will send you an alert with details so can you update your login information on any accounts that use the exposed credentials.
24/7 Emergency Assistance:
In the event of an identity theft emergency, IDShield provides 24/7/365, live support when you need it most.
Credit Freeze and Fraud Alert Assistance:
An IDShield Licensed Private Investigator will assist with placing a credit freeze and/or fraud alert on your credit reports in the event of a breach or other identity theft incident.
Dedicated Licensed Private Investigators:
The certification status of our team of experienced Licensed Private Investigators gives them access to exclusive databases to help identify and respond to identity threats. If your identity is stolen, one of our investigators will be directly assigned to you throughout the life of the case.
Full-Service Restoration:
If an identity theft event does occur, our Licensed Private Investigators will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to restore your identity to its pre-theft status. The investigator will work on your behalf to resolve the issue by contacting the appropriate government agencies, financial institutions, credit bureaus, and collection agencies.
Identity Consultation Services:
Receive consultation on identity-related issues. Our investigators are available to discuss the latest information on current identity theft trends, provide best practices for secure financial transactions, offer tips on consumer privacy, and discuss how to safely shop and communicate online.
Identity Fraud Protection Plan:
IDShield offers a $1 Million Identity Fraud Protection Plan with 1B and 3B IDShield Plans. A $2 Million Protection Plan is available with a Family National Plan. This covers certain identity fraud expenses and legal costs as a result of a covered identity fraud event.
Identity Insights and Tips:
Receive consultation on best practices to protect your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) with insights and tips from our identity theft specialist.
Live Member Support:
Speak with live member support from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Our Identity Theft Specialists are available 24/7 for covered emergencies.
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Lost or Stolen Wallet Assistance:
Losing a wallet can be stressful, but our investigators are here to assist. We offer guidance to determine what may have been stolen and provide support for any resulting identity theft.
Privacy Management:
Rather than leaving security up to chance, you can proactively arm yourself against cybercrimes and reputation hijacking. Our identity theft specialists can consult you on best practices to ensure that your private information remains private.
Restoration Verification:
Our Licensed Private Investigators keep restoration cases open 120 days after resolution to ensure that you have not been targeted again.
Unlimited Service Guarantee:
We don't give up until your identity is restored. Our industry-leading Licensed Private Investigators will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to help recover and restore your identity to its pre-theft status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the fraudulent use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) by a thief to obtain goods, services, and/or employment; commit a crime; gain a benefit, or prevent revealing the thief’s real identity.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes but may not be limited to a consumer’s name, Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, address, driver’s license number, telephone number, passport information, birth certificate, student transcript, or medical record.
What Information Would Hackers Have Access To and How Do They Get My Personal Information?
This information may include:
If you have a Yahoo Account and use the same password as other accounts, this could make your other emails and personal accounts vulnerable. It's recommended to change your passwords and use unique ones on all sites requiring a log-in.
There are numerous ways that hackers/thieves can obtain personally identifiable information (PII). Examples include:
How Do I Know If I've Been a Victim of Identity Theft?
Sometimes a consumer may think identity theft has occurred when it may not actually have. If there is an account on your credit report that you did not authorize, it is possible that an identity thief used your information to create an account or it could simply be the result of a credit reporting error. You can prove you’re a victim of identity theft if you can confirm that your Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN) or another key piece of your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) was used to open a credit card account, obtain a loan, submit health care information or similar unauthorized activity. IDShield members have unlimited consultation with Licensed Private Investigators if they have any questions or concerns regarding the status of their identity.
How Does Monitoring Protect Me Form Identity Theft?
Credit report monitoring does not prevent identity theft. However, it’s a tool that can alert you to activity that may indicate identity theft is being attempted or has taken place. If you learn someone used your data to apply for credit, you’ll take steps to prevent future misuse of your data.
How Does Identity Theft Restoration Work?
IDShield has Licensed Private Investigators to provide the best identity restoration possible and undo the damage done by identity thieves. Our IDShield Licensed Private Investigators will work for as long as it takes to restore a member’s identity to its pre-theft status to ensure that they are not held responsible for the debts created by the identity thief. By performing comprehensive restoration services, consumer reports are returned to their pre-theft status and other records are cleared of the activity created by the identity thief.
Does IDShield Cover Pre-Existing Issues?
Most pre-existing identity theft events are not covered under the full restoration benefit. However, our plans can still provide valuable protection and support.
Benefits such as unlimited consultation with an identity theft expert to help you deal with pre-existing identity theft, help placing a fraud alert on your credit accounts, and ongoing monitoring to track any new issues provide critical support when you need it most.
If you’ve already experienced identity theft, join immediately at IDShield.ca or IDShield.com and contact our Licensed Private Investigators to prevent additional damage to your finances and reputation.
What Is The Dark Web?
Often confused with the “Deep Web” which is simply those parts of the internet not indexed by any search engine, the “dark web” includes those sites that take measures to hide their IP address to remain anonymous. The most notorious sites on the dark web are those with illegal activities such as the sale of stolen information (think credit/debit card data and personal identifiers that can be used to commit identity theft), drug sales, weapon sales, and pornography.
Should I Check My Bank and Credit Card Accounts Even If I Haven't Used Them In The Last Month?
Yes. Be certain you receive a monthly statement and review it even when you haven’t initiated any transactions. If a thief has accessed an account that belongs to you, the monthly statement will alert you. It’s your responsibility to inform your bank or credit card company that fraudulent activity is taking place. If a statement doesn’t arrive, call the issuer and determine if someone has changed the address on your account.
Is Identity Theft The Same as Credit Card Fraud?
Identity theft is much more than credit card fraud. It’s the fraudulent use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) by a thief for the purpose of obtaining goods, services, and/or employment, committing a crime, gaining a benefit, or hiding a real identity. It can include a consumer’s name, Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, address, driver’s license number, telephone number, passport information, birth certificate information, student transcript data, and medical record information.
What Is Credit or Debit Card Fraud?
Credit and debit card fraud sometimes referred to as “existing account fraud,” occurs when a thief steals information on an existing account and then uses it to make use of that account, such as for making unauthorized purchases.
In contrast, “new account fraud” happens when the thief uses the victim’s personally identifiable information to establish an entirely new account of which the victim has no knowledge.
What Is an Identity Theft Report?
It’s the report filed with a law enforcement agency that details what the identity theft victim reported to that agency. What type of identity theft took place? And, what entities were involved? Combined with proof of the victim’s identity and residence address an identity theft report proves that the person providing the report is an actual victim of identity theft and not an identity thief. It can also be provided to credit reporting agencies for putting extended fraud alerts in place.
What Is a Fraud Security Alert?
It’s a statement on your credit report indicating that you’re vulnerable to becoming a victim or have been a victim of identity theft. It asks a credit reviewer to take reasonable extra steps to verify the identity of the applicant, reducing the chance a thief will succeed in opening new accounts.
What Is The Difference Between a Soft Inquiry and a Hard Inquiry?
Soft Inquiries do not affect your credit score and can include pre-approved offers of credit and insurance, employer background checks, in addition to checking your own credit. Hard Inquiries are made by an entity checking your credit, for instance, when you’ve applied for a credit card, loan, or mortgage. Numerous frequent hard inquiries can lower your score.
If I Have a Bad Credit Score, Do I Need To Worry About Identity Theft?
Remember, identity theft is not limited to credit fraud. In fact, credit-related identity theft accounts for only a small amount of the identity theft incidents reported to the FTC each year.
Someone can misuse your driver's license number, make counterfeit checks using your personal information, use your identity to rent an apartment or apply for a payday loan, or give your name and other identifiers to the police if they’re arrested. These activities and others have nothing to do with your credit history.
How Is a Credit Score Different From a Credit Report?
Your credit score is a numerical representation of the history of credit use found in your credit report. Your credit report lists the details of your credit history, which can include creditor names, addresses, loan amounts, credit limits, payments made on time or past due, and the number of monthly payments.
If There Is an Account On My Credit Report I Did Not Open, Does That Prove Identity Theft?
No. Many reports contain errors. If you find an account on your credit report you don’t recognize, call that creditor and ask them to tell you whether there is an account that was opened with the use of your Personal Identifying Information (PII), particularly, your Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN).
How Can I Get My Free Credit Report?
Federal laws ensure that all North Americans have the right to get a free credit report every 12 months from all three of the consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Get yours for free by the following:
Why Do I Get Different Credit Scores From Different Credit Sources?
Although most credit reports contain the same information, there is a chance that one credit report might have data that a different credit-reporting agency doesn’t have. If you get credit scores that are each based on a different credit report, you could see different credit scores.
How Can I Improve My Credit Score?
Focus on paying your bills in a timely way by paying down any outstanding balances and staying away from new debt. Be patient, improving a credit score takes time. There are so many factors, it’s hard to say how long it will take to improve a credit score.
Someone Used My Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN). Can I Get a New One?
It’s unlikely the Social Security Administration will issue a new number for limited identity theft. In fact, getting a new social security number would probably create a new set of problems for you. Remember that your Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN) is connected to your employment, tax, education, and medical records. Seeking a new Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN) is only considered in extreme situations.
If someone has used your Social Insurance Number (SIN)/Social Security Number (SSN), the best first step is to sign up for IDShield and let our systems and Licensed Private Investigators protect your identity from further abuse and develop a plan to secure your accounts.
I Placed a Fraud Alert. Is That Enough Protection?
A fraud alert is a statement on your credit report indicating that you’re vulnerable to becoming a victim or have been a victim of identity theft. It asks a credit reviewer to take reasonable extra steps to verify the identity of the applicant, reducing the chance a thief will succeed in opening new accounts.
While fraud alerts are a great tool, they should not be considered complete protection. There are many other ways thieves can use your personal identification information to steal money and commit fraud beyond credit cards, such as filing false tax returns or initiating fraudulent transfers from your bank accounts, which fraud alerts do not protect against.
I Placed a Fraud Alert. Does That Mean No One Can See My Credit Report?
No. The fraud alert is not seen until a potential creditor pulls your credit report, which generates an inquiry. A credit or security freeze prevents unauthorized access to your credit report.
I Placed a Fraud Alert For Myself. Does That Cover My Spouse Also?
No. A separate fraud alert must be placed for your spouse. You each have a unique SIN and your own file at the credit reporting agencies. Even though you may have the same credit accounts, you each need to review and protect your reports. One of you could become a victim of identity theft without the other becoming a victim.
What Is "1-Bureau (1B)" vs "3-Bureau (3B)" Monitoring?
1-Bureau (1B) and 3-Bureau (3B) Monitoring refer to the number of credit bureaus being monitored (the credit bureaus are TransUnion, Equifax, Experian).
Offering 1-Bureau Monitoring allows us to keep costs of the IDShield product low and still monitor important data. 1-Bureau Monitoring is effective because it is rare that credit-related identity theft is limited to one event and that one event is reported to only one credit bureau. Most of the time all three credit reports will be affected to some extent allowing 1-Bureau Monitoring to be effective to alert the member to an issue.
With our 3-Bureau Monitoring plans, IDShield monitors credit reports across all three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Lenders, creditors, and many businesses check and submit data that ends up on your credit reports. But not all report to the same credit bureau. By watching all three bureaus, IDShield provides comprehensive monitoring. If changes or inquiries are made, participants will receive an instant alert.
It is important to note that when identity theft is confirmed, the restoration process deals with ALL THREE national credit reporting agencies so that all of the member’s reports are reviewed and any fraudulent information on the reports is disputed.
NOTE: 1-Bureau (1B) is available in Canada, and 3-Bureau (3B) is available in the United States.
Who Is Covered Under The IDShield Family Plan?
The participant, their spouse/partner, and up to 10 dependant children under the age of 18. Note that monitoring services are not available for dependant children ages 18-26 but dependant children of the member or member's spouse ages 18-26 are eligible for consultation and restoration services only.
Can I Contact IDShield If I Do Not Have an IDShield Account?
Unfortunately, you can’t contact one of our Identity Theft Protection Consultants. However, we want to make sure that you are taking protecting yourself and your family in light of recent data breach hacks. If you are interested in signing up or learning more about IDShield, go to IDShield.ca or IDShield.com for more information.