The fact that over half a million people will be victims of identity fraud every year has made identity theft programs a product of interest for many. The average working adult is likely already busy leading a hectic life balancing home with a professional career; therefore, spending days and nights trying to watch one’s back to keep from becoming a victim of fraud is simply unfeasible.

The chance that something of this nature so financially damaging can strike without warning has spurred many into opting for dependable identity theft programs. Like insurance, these services generally offer to cover certain costs that can arise during typical identity theft situations. This can be anything from lawyer’s fees to wages that may be lost during a lengthy credit restoration process. In addition, these services often provide credit monitoring as well, a service that keeps a sharp eye on an individual’s credit report so their time and energy can be focused on the more important aspects of life.

In general, credit card companies and other financial institutions are known to offer their own form of identity theft program as an incentive or perk to their customers; however, there are private companies that dedicate themselves expressly to providing elite identity theft services as well. Though there are hundreds of programs to choose from, the following are examples of the most well known identity theft programs:

Identity Guard- this service offers a basic four level credit monitoring service to match a budget of any size. Users have the opportunity to add on certain products and services and will have access to with their credit score as well.

Features include: Identity Theft Insurance of $20,000 with $250 deductible, fraud resolution and recovery services, free yearly credit reports, quarterly updates on credit monitoring

LifeLock- this system comprises of sending out ninety day fraud alerts to the three main credit bureaus on a regular basis. This prevents an individual having their information used for establishing new credit.

Features include: new fraud alerts every ninety days with Experian, TransUnion, Equifax and ChexSystems, fraud alerts, identity theft insurance of up to $1,000,000; fraud resolution and recovery services, free yearly credit reports, removal from pre approved credit card and junk mail lists, ISO 27001 certified information security standard, identity theft protection for children

Loud Siren- this system also comprises of sending out ninety day fraud alerts to the three main credit bureaus on a regular basis. This prevents an individual having their information used for establishing new credit.

Features include: new fraud alerts every ninety days with Experian, TransUnion and Equifax; fraud alerts, a current audit history to assist with credit disputes, a no deductible Identity Theft Insurance of up to 25,000 dollar, in addition to a $1,000,000 guarantee, fraud resolution and recovery services removal from pre approved credit card and junk mail lists; Loud Siren also inserts their number in a consumer’s credit report to head off potential fraud. Members are then alerted to inquiries in a discreet manner.