Identity theft is a serious threat that can upend your life and wreak havoc on your finances. Unfortunately, seniors are one of the most targeted groups when it comes to this type of fraud. According to the FBI‘s Elder Fraud Report, over 92,000 elderly victims reported losses of $1.7 billion to identity theft and other scams in 2021 alone.
As a cyber security expert with more than 10 years of experience specializing in cloud data protection, I‘ve seen firsthand the devastation that identity theft can cause. Especially for those on a fixed income or with limited tech savvy, recovering from ID theft can be a long, expensive nightmare. That‘s why I always recommend that seniors be proactive in guarding their identities and personal information.
One of the best ways to prevent and mitigate the impacts of identity theft is to sign up for a reputable ID protection service. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is right for you. To help you decide, I‘ve thoroughly researched and vetted the top identity theft protection services, assessing their features, pricing, customer service, and overall value for seniors.
How I Evaluated the Best Identity Theft Protection Services
In evaluating dozens of ID theft protection services, I focused on the following key criteria that I believe are most important for seniors:
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Comprehensive monitoring – A quality service should keep tabs on your sensitive info in as many places as possible, including your credit reports, bank/investment accounts, social media, dark web, and more. I looked for products that cast a wide net.
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Fast and convenient alerts – If suspicious activity is detected, you want to know ASAP so you can take swift action. I prioritized services that send real-time, customizable notifications via multiple channels like text, email, and phone.
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Identity restoration and insurance – Even the best monitoring can‘t stop ID theft 100% of the time. So I made sure to only recommend services that offer robust, white-glove restoration services and at least $1 million in theft insurance.
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Senior-friendly pricing and support – I know that many seniors are on a fixed budget, so I weighed each service‘s cost and overall value. I also looked for ones that offer senior discounts, affordable family plans, and accessible customer service.
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Ease of use – Signing up and navigating the platform should be simple and intuitive, even for subscribers who aren‘t super tech-savvy. I favored services with clean dashboards, helpful resources, and user-friendly apps.
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Proven reputation – With something as critical as guarding your identity, you want a company you can trust. I made sure to select long-standing, well-established brands with positive professional reviews and customer feedback.
Top 3 Identity Theft Protection Picks for Seniors
After extensive evaluation and hands-on testing, here are my recommendations for the three best identity theft protection services for seniors in 2024:
1. Norton LifeLock: Best Overall Value
LifeLock is my top pick for seniors seeking affordable, comprehensive ID protection from a recognized brand. A leader in consumer cybersecurity for nearly two decades, LifeLock leverages the power and resources of parent company Norton to safeguard your identity across all fronts.
Some standout features of LifeLock‘s senior-focused plans include:
- Extensive monitoring: Takes a proactive approach with alerts from all 3 credit bureaus as well as your Social Security number, bank accounts, addresses, DOB, driver‘s license, passport, and more.
- Advanced fraud detection: Scans the dark web and other sources 24/7 for signs of your info being bought or sold, helping spot fraud before it escalates.
- Full identity restoration: If your identity is compromised, a dedicated U.S.-based specialist will handle your case from start to finish and cover most out-of-pocket losses like legal fees and lost wages.
- Generous insurance: Up to $3 million in reimbursement for stolen funds and recovery expenses for Ultimate Plus members, which is higher than the industry average of $1 million.
LifeLock offers three main plans for individuals, including a budget-friendly LifeLock Senior plan that‘s perfect for retirees. Prices start at around $10 per month for the first year for the Senior plan and top out at $30 monthly for the comprehensive Ultimate Plus plan. You can also enjoy two risk-free months with the 60-day trial period.
While there is no specific senior discount, AARP members can take advantage of exclusive pricing on Norton 360 if bundled with LifeLock. I recommend this option if you want to protect your devices from viruses and other online threats as well.
| Standard | Advantage | Ultimate Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Price | $149.99 ($12.50/month) | $239.99 ($20/month) | $359.99 ($30/month) |
| Stolen Funds Reimbursement | Up to $25,000 | Up to $100,000 | Up to $1 million |
| Personal Expense Compensation | Up to $25,000 | Up to $100,000 | Up to $1 million |
| Coverage for Lawyers & Experts | Up to $1 million | Up to $1 million | Up to $1 million |
| Credit Monitoring | Equifax | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion |
2. Aura: Best for Online Safety
As more seniors embrace the internet for everyday tasks like shopping, banking, and socializing, online safety is a growing concern. That‘s where Aura shines, offering all-in-one protection for your identity, finances, and devices.
In addition to standard features like credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and $1 million ID theft insurance, Aura goes the extra mile with:
- Proactive device security: Top-rated antivirus software and a military-grade VPN protect your home network and all your devices (computers, phones, and tablets) from digital threats like malware, ransomware, and Wi-Fi snooping.
- Intuitive family plans: Cover yourself and up to five additional adults (spouse, partner, elderly parents, etc.) under a single plan, with easy control over alerts, spending limits, etc. Perfect for multi-generational households.
- Exclusive senior discount: AARP members and seniors 55+ can save over 50% on Aura‘s annual plans, with prices starting at just $10 per month (normally $24). Couples and family plans are also steeply discounted.
- Financial fraud protection: Monitors your bank accounts, credit cards and investment accounts for signs of suspicious activity, with real-time alerts for unusual transfers, charges, or withdrawals.
I‘m especially impressed by Aura‘s focus on securing your tech and home network from scams and cyber attacks. Seniors lost nearly $3 billion to cyber crime in 2021, according to the latest FBI Internet Crime Report. Aura arms you with an extra layer of defense, preventing hackers from infiltrating your device and network to steal your identity and financial info.
Aura‘s senior-exclusive pricing is among the best deals I‘ve seen, especially since it covers credit monitoring and identity recovery as well. Opting for a Couples or Family plan can protect you and a few loved ones for around the cost of a single plan from other providers.
| Features | Individual | Couple | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Monitoring (3 bureaus) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Account Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Device & Network Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ID Theft Insurance | $1 million | $1 million | $1 million |
| Monthly Price with Senior Discount | $10 (reg. $24) | $17 (reg. $37) | $30 (reg. $50) |
3. ID Watchdog: Best for Customer Service & Restoration Support
When identity theft does happen, having a supportive, knowledgeable team in your corner can make all the difference. ID Watchdog stands out for its superior customer service and white glove resolution experts.
If you become a victim of ID theft or fraud, ID Watchdog‘s certified resolution specialists are available 24/7 to fully manage your case from start to finish. That includes contacting creditors, filing reports, and handling all the necessary paperwork to restore your identity — tasks that can be especially stressful and confusing for seniors. You‘ll also get:
- Triple-bureau credit monitoring: Stay on top of any changes or suspicious activity on your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit reports with rapid alerts and a monthly credit score tracker.
- Dark web monitoring: ID Watchdog continuously scans underground hacker forums and markets for signs of your personal data being shared or sold, helping stop identity theft early.
- High risk transaction monitoring: Keeps an eye out for unusual bank transfers, cell phone account activity, or even address changes that could signal fraud.
- Advanced identity monitoring: Watches billions of public records for misuse of your personal info, including your Social Security number, passport, driver‘s license, and medical IDs.
For added peace of mind, ID Watchdog provides up to $1 million in insurance to cover loss of funds and recovery expenses. Their affordable individual plans include Plus (starting at $14.95/month) and Platinum ($21.95 per month for credit monitoring from all three bureaus).
It‘s worth noting that while ID Watchdog doesn‘t advertise a senior-specific discount, they do have a long-standing partnership with AARP. Members may be eligible for special pricing or free trial offers.
| Features | ID Watchdog Plus | ID Watchdog Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Monitoring | 1 Bureau | All 3 Bureaus |
| Dark Web Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| High Risk Transaction Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
| ID Theft Insurance | Up to $1 Million | Up to $1 Million |
| Monthly Price | $14.95 | $21.95 |
How to Choose the Best Identity Theft Protection Service
With so many providers vying for your business, it can be hard to know which identity theft protection service is truly the best fit for your needs and budget. Here are some expert tips to help you navigate your options:
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Determine your risk level: Are you a frequent traveler? Heavy social media user? Have a history of personal data breaches? The greater your risk factors, the more comprehensive you‘ll want your ID theft protection to be.
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Consider recovery needs: Some seniors may feel confident resolving ID theft issues on their own with the right tools and support. Others may prefer to have a dedicated agent handle everything for them. Think about what level of professional recovery assistance you‘re comfortable with.
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Look for senior-friendly features: Larger fonts, easy-to-navigate apps and dashboards, 24/7 phone support, and affordable individual plans can make identity protection much more manageable and accessible for seniors.
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Review the insurance fine print: Most identity theft services offer up to $1 million in coverage, but there‘s often a devil in the details. Review the terms closely to understand what types of losses are covered, any deductibles or limitations, and the claims process.
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Take advantage of free trials or guarantees: If you‘re on the fence about a particular service, see if they offer a free trial or money-back guarantee to test it out risk-free. Be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you decide it‘s not for you.
Identity Theft Protection for Seniors FAQs
What is the best identity theft protection for seniors?
Based on my extensive research and testing, Norton LifeLock is my top overall pick for seniors thanks to its comprehensive credit and identity monitoring, affordable senior plan, and generous $3 million insurance coverage (with Ultimate Plus).
Is identity theft protection worth it?
In my professional opinion, yes. Seniors in particular can benefit greatly from the proactive monitoring, rapid alerts, and recovery assistance that a quality identity protection service provides. It‘s a small price to pay for major peace of mind.
Does AARP endorse a particular identity theft protection service?
While AARP doesn‘t officially endorse one service over others, they have partnered with both Norton LifeLock and ID Watchdog to offer exclusive member pricing and benefits. All AARP plans include a free Fraud Watch Network service as well.
What is the average cost of identity theft protection?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for identity theft protection, depending on the provider and plan you choose. Most services offer discounts between 10-35% if you pay annually versus monthly.
Do I need to provide my Social Security number?
Most identity protection services will ask for your SSN in order to monitor it for suspicious activity, but it‘s not always required to sign up. However, withholding your SSN will limit the level of monitoring and protection you receive.
How can I protect my identity for free?
There are several free, DIY ways seniors can help protect their identities, including:
- Regularly checking your credit reports for errors or fraud signs
- Shredding sensitive documents before throwing them out
- Using strong, unique passwords on all accounts
- Enabling two-factor authentication when available
- Being cautious about unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for personal info
- Keeping software and operating systems up to date
- Storing Social Security card and other vital documents in a secure place
While these best practices can certainly reduce your risk, most experts agree that a paid identity theft protection service is the most convenient and comprehensive way to safeguard your identity. Many affordable options cost less than a Netflix subscription.
Don‘t Let Identity Theft Derail Your Golden Years
Unfortunately, seniors will likely remain a prime target for identity thieves and scammers for the foreseeable future. The isolation many seniors experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has made them even more susceptible to certain types of fraud, the FTC warns.
But that doesn‘t mean you have to live in fear or resign yourself to becoming a victim. Taking proactive measures like signing up for a trusted identity theft protection service can help you spot attempted fraud early and minimize the impact on your life.
Of all the options on the market, Norton LifeLock, Aura, and ID Watchdog stand out as the best of the best for seniors. They offer the right balance of monitoring essentials, customer support, and value. You‘ve worked hard for your money and peace of mind — investing in quality identity protection is an excellent way to safeguard both in your golden years.
