Identity theft is a growing problem in today’s digital age, and protecting your personal information is more important than ever. LifeLock is an identity theft protection service that aims to help individuals safeguard their personal information and financial accounts.
This comprehensive review of LifeLock will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right identity theft protection service for you.
What is LifeLock?
LifeLock is a leading identity theft protection service that provides comprehensive monitoring and protection for its subscribers. Founded in 2005, the company was acquired by NortonLifeLock, a global leader in cybersecurity, in 2017. LifeLock’s mission is to help consumers monitor their personal information, detect potential threats, and resolve identity theft issues.
How Does LifeLock Work?
LifeLock operates on three layers of protection: detection, alert, and resolution. It offers a range of monitoring services to keep track of your personal information across multiple platforms.
Credit Monitoring
LifeLock monitors your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and alerts you to any changes or suspicious activity. This includes new account openings, hard inquiries, and significant balance changes. In addition, you can receive monthly credit scores from one of the three credit bureaus, depending on your subscription plan.
Social Security Number Monitoring
LifeLock keeps an eye on your Social Security number and alerts you if it’s used in a suspicious manner, such as opening a new bank account or applying for credit.
Dark Web Monitoring
The dark web is a hub for illegal activities, including the buying and selling of stolen personal information. LifeLock’s dark web monitoring service scans the dark web for your personal information and alerts you if it’s found.
Bank and Credit Card Activity Alerts
LifeLock monitors your financial accounts for unusual activity, such as large withdrawals, transfers, or changes in account details. It also provides bank account takeover alerts and credit card activity alerts to help you stay on top of your finances.
LifeLock Plans and Pricing
LifeLock offers three identity theft protection plans to cater to different needs and budgets:
LifeLock Standard
The LifeLock Standard plan provides basic identity theft protection, including credit monitoring from one of the three credit bureaus, Social Security number alerts, and stolen funds reimbursement up to $25,000.
LifeLock Advantage
The LifeLock Advantage plan offers enhanced protection, including credit monitoring from one of the three credit bureaus, bank account and credit card activity alerts, and stolen funds reimbursement up to $100,000. This plan also includes data breach notifications and fictitious identity monitoring.
LifeLock Ultimate Plus
The LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan is the most comprehensive option, providing credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus, investment account activity alerts, savings account application alerts, and stolen funds reimbursement up to $1 million. This plan also includes home title monitoring, social media monitoring, and annual credit reports from all three credit bureaus.
Here’s each level of service, including cost, and what you can expect to get for your money.
| LIFELOCK STANDARD™ | LIFELOCK ADVANTAGE® | LIFELOCK ULTIMATE PLUS™ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $11.99 per month $124.99 annually | $22.99 per month $239.99 annually | $34.99 per month $339.99 annually |
| Promotions Terms apply | $8.99/month for the first year | $17.99/month for the first year | $26.99/month for the first year |
| Stolen fund 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 |
| Legal and expert coverage | Up to$1 million | Up to$1 million | Up to$1 million |
| Credit Monitoring | One bureau | One bureau | All three bureaus |
| Annual credit reports | – | One bureau | All three bureaus |
| Monthly credit score tracking | – | – | One bureau |
| Social Security Alerts | x | x | x |
| Credit Alerts | x | x | x |
| Privacy monitoring | x | x | x |
| Dark web monitoring | x | x | x |
| USPS Address change alerts | x | x | x |
| Bank and credit card activity alerts | – | x | x |
| Criminal database alerts | – | x | x |
| Data breach monitoring | – | x | x |
| Fictitious identity monitoring | – | x | x |
| 401(k) and investment activity alerts | – | – | x |
| New bank account alerts | – | – | x |
| File-sharing network searches | – | – | x |
| Sex offender registry reports | – | – | x |
LifeLock Mobile App
The LifeLock mobile app provides on-the-go access to your account and alerts, allowing you to manage your identity theft protection services from your smartphone or tablet. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and features.
LifeLock and Norton 360 Bundle
For additional security, LifeLock offers a bundle with Norton 360, a comprehensive antivirus software suite. This bundle includes features like a password manager, VPN, and online backup storage. Combining LifeLock with Norton 360 provides an extra layer of protection for your devices and online accounts, ensuring that your personal information is safe from cyber threats.
Pros and Cons of LifeLock
Advantages of using LifeLock
- Comprehensive monitoring services: LifeLock offers a wide range of monitoring services, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and financial account alerts.
- Proactive alerts and notifications: LifeLock’s timely alerts help you stay informed about potential threats to your identity.
- Identity theft resolution support: LifeLock provides dedicated Identity Restoration Specialists to help you resolve identity theft issues.
- Insurance coverage: LifeLock offers stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation, depending on the plan you choose.
Disadvantages of using LifeLock
- Subscription cost: LifeLock’s services come at a monthly or annual cost, which may be a deterrent for some consumers.
- Some plan limitations: The Standard and Advantage plans do not include monitoring from all three major credit bureaus, which could leave gaps in your protection.
- Possible false alarms: LifeLock’s proactive monitoring may sometimes generate false alerts, which can be frustrating for users.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
LifeLock has received mostly positive reviews from users and industry experts, with many praising the comprehensive monitoring services and proactive alerts. Some users have mentioned the occasional false alarm, but overall, LifeLock stands out as one of the top identity theft protection services on the market.
Which LifeLock plan should you choose?
Choosing a plan entails a few different steps. First and perhaps most importantly, think about your budget. Don’t automatically select a plan with all the bells and whistles if the monthly payment is going to make the rest of your budget fall off track.
Think about how much compensation you want to have access to in the event of a worst-case scenario. If you don’t think your stolen funds amount or even personal expense amount would be more than $25,000 then it may make sense to choose the lower level plan. If, however, you have larger accounts or more sophisticated accounts that may be targeted, you may find it suitable to opt for a plan that includes investments.
If you’re looking to combine identity theft protection along with comprehensive credit monitoring, you should consider a top tier plan. That way, you could realize some savings by combining services and getting everything you need directly through LifeLock.
Still unsure about the best plan for you?
Check out their risk calculator, which analyzes your behavior and habits to provide you with tips on how to stay safe. If you get a low score, you may realize you’re ready for more protection than you originally thought.
LifeLock Refund Policy
LifeLock offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. When you cancel your plan within the first 60 days, you receive an automatic refund.
Even if you decide to cancel after that period, your refund will be prorated for any unused months that you’ve already paid for. It’s a hassle-free process so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a subscription service that you’re not 100% happy with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is LifeLock worth the cost?
LifeLock’s services can be valuable for individuals concerned about identity theft and the security of their personal information. The cost of a LifeLock subscription is generally considered reasonable, given the wide range of monitoring services and the peace of mind it provides.
How does LifeLock compare to its competitors?
LifeLock is often compared to other identity theft protection services like Identity Guard and IdentityIQ. While each service has its unique features and pricing, LifeLock is typically considered a top contender due to its comprehensive monitoring services, proactive alerts, and identity theft resolution support.
What is the cancellation process for LifeLock services?
To cancel LifeLock, you can contact LifeLock customer service by phone or through the Norton LifeLock website. Cancellations can be made at any time, and LifeLock offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service.
Can LifeLock prevent all types of identity theft?
While LifeLock provides comprehensive identity theft protection services, no service can guarantee complete protection against all types of identity theft. However, LifeLock’s proactive monitoring and alerts can help minimize the risk and impact of identity theft if it occurs.
Bottom Line
In today’s digital world, protecting your personal information and financial accounts is crucial. LifeLock offers comprehensive identity theft protection services that can help you safeguard your identity and finances. While no service can guarantee complete protection, LifeLock’s proactive monitoring, alerts, and resolution support make it a strong choice for individuals concerned about identity theft.