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If you find yourself overwhelmed by terms such as "credit reports," "fraud alerts" and "identity theft," a third-party security service may be right for you. In how to use LifeLock, learn about how one company helps clients guard against the pitfalls of the Information Age.
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Identity Theft Protection Tips
- Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers.
- Shred your charge receipts, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding and credit offers you get in the mail.
- Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review those reports carefully.
- Visit OnGuard Online, a partnership between the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Homeland Security and IRS, designed to inform consumers of how best to protect their personal information online.
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If you find yourself overwhelmed by terms such as "credit reports," "fraud alerts" and "identity theft," a third-party security service may be right for you. In how to use LifeLock, learn about how one company helps clients guard against the pitfalls of the Information Age.
-
Identity Theft Protection Tips
- Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers.
- Shred your charge receipts, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding and credit offers you get in the mail.
- Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review those reports carefully.
- Visit OnGuard Online, a partnership between the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Homeland Security and IRS, designed to inform consumers of how best to protect their personal information online.
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Disclaimer
This page's content is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial adviser before using the information presented here. </note>- by Joy Alger
Similar Services
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LoudSirenOfficial Site: LoudSiren
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Identity GuardOfficial Site: Identity Guard
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[[Lifelock|LifeLock]] isn't your only [[Identity Theft|identity theft]] protection alternative. Take the time to compare the services offered by [[Lifelock|LifeLock's]] competitors, or minimize your risk by following the advice offered by the Federal Trad
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TrustedIDOfficial Site: TrustedID
What Is LifeLock?
- LifeLock is an identity theft protection agency with nearly one million subscribers.LifeLock.com: How LifeLock Works ConsumerAffairs.com: LifeLock Sales Surge Despite Critics (May 1, 2008) Though many of the services LifeLock offers its subscribers are things you can do yourself for free, like checking your credit report, setting fraud alerts or calling your credit card company if your wallet is stolen, you can pay LifeLock for the convenience of having these things handled by one company. LifeLock does offer other services that you would have to pay for elsewhere, like scouring databases for the illegal use of your name or having your personal information removed from pre-approved credit card mailers.
What You Get
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Dissatisfied customers may cancel their [[Lifelock|LifeLock]] subscriptions at any time by calling 877-543-3562.LifeLock.com: Cancellation
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Your coverage begins as soon as your enrollment form is submitted. At that point, you are entitled to all the benefits of any [[Lifelock|LifeLock]] subscriber, including services such as WalletLock and the others outlined below.
Enrolling in LifeLock
- If you do decide to sign up with LifeLock, you'll need to subscribe to the service via the company's secure online enrollment form.LifeLock.com: Enrollment Form You can sign up for either a monthly or annual plan:
- The cost of a monthly membership is $10 per month for adults and $2.50 for children.LifeLock.com: Enrollment Form
- The cost of an annual membership is $110 for adults and $25 for children.LifeLock.com: Enrollment Form
Introduction
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'''IMPORTANT:''' Be aware that no service can offer complete protection against identity theft. Even LifeLock's pitchman was a victim.CNN: Fraud-prevention pitchman becomes ID theft victim
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The words [[Identity Theft|"identity theft"]] are enough to strike fear in the heart of any American. The Information Age, despite all its advantages, has brought with it ample opportunities for criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Throu
Basic LifeLock Services
- The following section outlines those services which you can do for yourself, but which LifeLock consolidates and manages for subscribers. If you would like to learn how to activate fraud alerts, eliminate junk mail, procure credit reports and account for the contents of a stolen wallet or purse on your own, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Fighting Back Against Identity Theft site or Mahalo's pages on How to Get a Free Credit Report and How to Recover from Identity Theft.
Limit Junk Mail and Credit Card Offers
- Many experts suggest shredding junk mail, including credit card applications, because thieves can use discarded mail to steal one's identity.About.com: What Mail to Shred LifeLock will have clients' names and addresses removed from junk mail and pre-approved credit card lists.Wired.com: LifeLock Helps Guard Your ID
Obtain Credit Reports
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Yet another service provided to Lifelock subscribers is the regular procurement of credit reports. [[Free Credit Report|Free credit reports]] from agencies such as TransUnion, Experian and Equifax can be [[How to Get a Free Credit Report|issued to anyone
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A credit report will tell you what activity, such as loan applications, has taken place in your credit history.Federal Trade Commission: Your Access to Free Credit Reports If there is a discrepancy or evidence of [[Identity Theft|ide
Account for Lost Wallet or Purse Contents
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Reporting and trying to recover items from a lost or stolen wallet can add more stress to an already stressful situation. In the event of a lost or stolen wallet, [[Lifelock|LifeLock]] customers have the help of a customer service specialist to report mis
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This feature, called WalletLock, also manages the paperwork for obtaining replacements for your driver's license, Social Security card and checkbook so you don't have to.Lifelock.com: WalletLock
Services Unique to LifeLock
- The following section outlines those services and products which are unique to LifeLock and which are not easily replicated by consumers including the monitoring of criminal activity and a $1 million guarantee that you will not fall victim to an identity-related crime.
Prepare for the Worst Case Scenario
- Even the most cautious consumer can fall prey to identity theft. For situations such as this, LifeLock offers a $1 million guarantee.Lifelock.com: $1 Million Guarantee That means that if you, as a subscriber, are a victim of identity theft, the company says it will spend up to $1 million in your name—including investigator or attorney fees and reimbursement for any money lost as a result of the theft.Wired.com: LifeLock Helps Guard Your ID
Conclusion
- In a world where information can be transmitted thousands of miles at the touch of a button, caution is king when it comes to protecting one's identity. If you lack the time and discipline to build your own firewalls, or if you just appreciate added security, a service such as LifeLock may be your perfect fit.
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