In a world where identity theft is on the rise, more people are turning to services that promise to protect their personal information. LifeLock is one of the most recognized names in identity theft protection. But what does it actually offer, and how much does it cost?
Let’s take a closer look at what LifeLock does, how much you’ll pay, and whether it’s really worth it.
Why Identity Theft Protection Matters
Identity theft is more common than you might think. According to recent reports, over 40 million Americans were victims of identity theft in a single year. These incidents cost more than 46 billion dollars in damages. That means about one in ten people in the U.S. are affected every year.
The methods used by criminals are always changing. They steal information through phishing emails, data breaches, and even romance scams. The results can be devastating. Victims may lose money, damage their credit, or struggle for years to clean up the mess.
How Much Does LifeLock Cost?
LifeLock offers several pricing tiers. The more you pay, the more features you get.
LifeLock Standard
This is the most basic plan. It costs $11.99 per month if you pay yearly. It includes alerts for data breaches and basic credit monitoring. But it does not cover all credit bureaus or include full restoration support.
LifeLock Advantage
This mid-tier plan starts at $22.99 per month. It includes everything from the Standard plan plus extra alerts for bank account activity and identity restoration help.
LifeLock Ultimate Plus
At $34.99 per month, this plan is the most comprehensive. It offers monitoring from all three credit bureaus, alerts for financial activity, and reimbursement for stolen funds up to one million dollars.
What About Norton 360 with LifeLock?
LifeLock is owned by Norton, the well-known antivirus company. Together, they offer bundled plans that combine identity theft protection with cybersecurity tools like VPNs and device protection.
If you want to protect both your personal information and your devices, Norton 360 with LifeLock is worth looking into. Pricing depends on how many devices you want to cover and which features you choose.
Does LifeLock Actually Work?
LifeLock is good at what it claims to do. It monitors your personal information and alerts you when something looks suspicious. It also helps you recover if your identity is stolen.
However, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t monitor everything, and some users say the alerts can be delayed or not helpful. Also, LifeLock doesn’t remove your personal data from the internet. That’s something you’d need another service for, such as those offering online privacy protection.
Complaints About LifeLock
LifeLock has faced some serious complaints in the past. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission accused the company of not doing enough to protect customer data. LifeLock paid a $130 million settlement, which included refunds to affected customers.
Customers have also complained about poor customer service. Some say it’s hard to cancel their subscription or get help when they need it. Others mention unexpected charges or long wait times.
Are There Better Alternatives?
LifeLock isn’t the only option out there. Other services offer similar or better protection, sometimes at a lower cost.
IdentityForce
Backed by TransUnion, this service monitors your credit, alerts you to threats, and offers strong identity restoration support. It’s known for its family plans and legal assistance for victims.
IDShield
This service focuses on your digital privacy. It helps remove your data from online databases, monitors your social media accounts, and includes fraud alerts. It may not be as strong in credit monitoring, but it’s great for managing your online footprint.
Experian IdentityWorks
Offered by another major credit bureau, this service includes credit monitoring, alerts, and recovery support. It’s a solid option if you already use Experian.
NewReputation
Unlike the others, NewReputation specializes in online reputation and privacy protection. It helps remove personal information from search results and monitors dark web activity. It doesn’t offer credit monitoring, but it pairs well with other identity protection services.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on what matters most to you.
If you want complete identity theft protection, IdentityForce and Experian IdentityWorks are good places to start.
If your main concern is online privacy or managing your reputation, consider IDShield or NewReputation.
If you want coverage for your entire family or a simple solution with strong support, IdentityForce and IDShield offer good family plans.
Is LifeLock Worth the Cost?
That depends on your needs. LifeLock does offer real value, especially in its higher-tier plans. But it also has some downsides, including past security issues and customer service complaints.
Before you sign up, take a close look at what each plan includes. You might find that another service offers more value for the price. Or you might decide to pair LifeLock with something like NewReputation to cover all your bases.
Final Thoughts
Your personal information is one of your most valuable assets. Keeping it safe is no longer optional.
LifeLock gives you tools to monitor threats and recover from identity theft. But it’s not the only choice. Look at all the options. Compare features, prices, and reviews. Think about what kind of protection you need.
And remember, protecting your identity isn’t just about what happens after a breach. It’s also about preventing one from happening in the first place.
To get help managing your online presence or removing personal data from search results, reach out to NewReputation. A few smart steps today can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
