“`html

Understanding Identity Theft Protection Services

As we continue to live more of our lives online, identity theft remains a persistent challenge. According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft accounted for 19% of nearly 5.4 million consumer complaints in 2023, with over 1 million incidents reported.

Benefits of Identity Theft Protection Services

Identity theft protection services can alert you to unauthorized activity on your credit reports and notify you if you’ve been exposed in a data breach. Some services also scan public and hidden websites for exposed data, help reclaim your identity if it’s stolen, and offer insurance to cover financial losses in the event of identity theft.

Automation

Cybercrime experts recommend regularly checking bank and credit card statements for signs of suspicious activity. Identity theft protection services can continuously monitor your personal accounts and alert you to potentially suspicious activity.

Credit Monitoring

Identity theft protection can alert you proactively to new entries on your credit reports at the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), so you can respond quickly to unauthorized activity.

Dark Web Surveillance

Identity theft protection services that scan the dark web for the presence of your data can alert you if you’ve been exposed, so you can update security settings and keep watch on vulnerable accounts.

Privacy Scans

A privacy scan audits and automatically removes your information from “people search” websites that list public information identity thieves can use to supplement stolen data.

Identity Theft Insurance

Identity theft insurance provides coverage of up to $1 million to reimburse expenses incurred through identity theft such as legal fees, lost wages, dependent-care services, and other miscellaneous charges. Some policies also include assistance from agents trained in identity theft restoration.

Social Security Number Trace Alerts

SSN trace alerts let you know if your number appears on illicit lists or websites, helping you take action to protect your identity.

Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It?

While you can detect many signs of fraudulent activity on your own by checking your credit reports and scrutinizing your bank and credit statements, identity theft protection services can provide peace of mind by performing those checks automatically. They may also offer additional services such as scanning for signs your personal information is at risk.

What Identity Theft Protection Services Does Experian Offer?

Experian offers two tiers of identity theft protection: a basic account that notifies you of activity on your Experian credit reports and changes to your FICO® Score, and a paid premium membership with services including:

• Monitoring credit reports at all three national credit bureaus
• Tracking changes in your FICO® Score based on data at all three credit bureaus
• Scanning for online data exposure, including hidden “dark web” sites and social media platforms
• Social Security number trace alerts
• Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance
• Fraud-resolution help from trained assistants

The Bottom Line

The risk of identity theft is all too real, so it’s important to watch your credit reports, bank, and credit accounts for suspicious activity. Identity theft protection services, including those available free from Experian, can simplify that process. Premium services can also alert you when your personal data is at risk and even assist with the process of recovery from identity theft.

For any mortgage service needs, contact O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. Our team is here to help you with the best mortgage solutions tailored to your needs.

“`