Introducing two of the most prominent players in the world of identity theft protection - Equifax Protection and Lifelock Protection. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the fine details of these services to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through this informative journey.
Equifax Protection and Lifelock Protection are both renowned names in the realm of identity theft prevention. They aim to safeguard your personal information, monitor your credit activity, and provide timely alerts in case of any suspicious or unauthorized activities. However, their approaches and features differ in various aspects, making it crucial to understand their nuances to make an educated choice.
Equifax Protection, a subsidiary of Equifax Inc., is a trusted name that has been operating for decades. They offer a range of services designed to protect your identity and financial well-being. Their flagship product, Equifax Complete Premier Plan, offers comprehensive coverage against identity theft. This plan includes credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - providing you with a holistic view of your credit health.
With Equifax Protection's credit monitoring feature, you can rest assured knowing that any significant changes to your credit report will be promptly detected. In case of suspicious activity or potential fraud, Equifax will send you alerts via email or text message. This allows you to take immediate action and prevent further damage to your financial standing.
In addition to credit monitoring, Equifax Complete Premier Plan also offers identity theft insurance up to $1 million. This insurance coverage helps protect you financially in case you become a victim of identity theft. Equifax also provides access to their dedicated customer support team who can assist you with any queries or concerns you may have.
On the other hand, Lifelock Protection takes a slightly different approach when it comes to safeguarding your identity. Lifelock, a subsidiary of NortonLifeLock Inc., focuses on proactive identity theft protection through various layers of defense. Their services are centered around three core pillars - monitor, alert, and restore.
Lifelock Protection's monitoring capabilities extend beyond credit monitoring. They employ advanced technology to keep an eye on various aspects of your personal information, including your social security number, bank accounts, and even the dark web. This comprehensive monitoring helps detect potential threats before they escalate into full-blown identity theft.
Similarly to Equifax Protection, Lifelock Protection offers real-time alerts in case of suspicious activity. These alerts can be received via email, phone, or mobile app notifications. Lifelock also provides a dedicated U.S.-based restoration team to guide you through the process of recovering from identity theft and restoring your financial well-being.
One notable feature that sets Lifelock Protection apart is their Million Dollar Protection Package. This package includes reimbursement for stolen funds and coverage for personal expenses incurred during the recovery process (up to the limits of your plan). It also provides coverage for lawyers and experts if needed.
When it comes to pricing, both Equifax Protection and Lifelock Protection offer various plans to suit different needs and budgets. Equifax Complete Premier Plan starts at $19.95 per month, while Lifelock Protection's plans start at $9.99 per month (prices subject to change).
Ultimately, the choice between Equifax Protection and Lifelock Protection depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the level of credit monitoring required, additional monitoring beyond credit reports, insurance coverage, and the overall price. By understanding the differences between these two services, you can make an informed decision to protect your identity and financial well-being effectively.
Despite Equifax's previous data breach and ongoing security concerns, Sheldon deems their protection to be superior to Lifelock due to their advanced monitoring systems and partnership with various financial institutions to detect unauthorized activities promptly. However, he is still hesitant to trust either completely, as he believes the most foolproof approach is taking personal responsibility for safeguarding sensitive information.