Identity Guard vs IdentityForce

When looking for the best identity protection service, you’ll probably end your search with Identity Guard and IdentityForce as your top contenders.

Both of these services offer comprehensive protection for reasonable prices. They also specialize in identity protection which means if their identity protection services fail to protect their customers, they’ll go out of business quickly. This puts huge pressure on both companies to consistently deliver top-tier identity protection services. It also makes signing up for either of their services one of the best ways to protect yourself against identity theft.

But, how do you decide between the two? Well, we personally tested both identity protection companies to see which one will be best for you. We break down all of their similarities and differences so you can see which fits your life.

Overview: Identity Guard vs. IdentityForce

Identity theft is about more than just using a person’s identity to open credit cards or use an existing bank account. Criminals also use identity theft to access welfare checks and Social Security benefits. Both Identity Guard and IdentityForce help to protect people against identity theft with comprehensive monitoring and restoration services. Here’s a quick snapshot of the services and features offered by both companies:

Similarities: Identity Guard vs. IdentityForce

The two companies are similar in terms of their services and features. For example, both Identity Guard and IdentityForce monitor your credit to ensure it is not being used in a suspicious manner. They both also offer the following services:

• Dark web surveillance
• Alerts for change of address
• Alerts for fraud
• $1 million in insurance coverage

These main similarities are what most people look at when comparing identity theft protection services. So, they both offer top-tier services with adequate insurance coverage for most people.

Differences: Identity Guard vs. IdentityForce

Although both Identity Guard and IdentityForce offer similar identity theft protections, there are differences that set the two apart. These points may be the deciding factor in which service you choose. Take a look at how they are different:

• IdentityForce offers sex offender registry monitoring.
• IdentityForce alerts credit bureaus of fraud alerts on your accounts.
• IdentityForce also protects your child’s identity.
• Identity Guard offers more financial and credit monitoring.
• Identity Guard uses IBM® Watson™ technology.

Identity Monitoring

Identity monitoring is a key component of protecting against identity theft. Both Identity Guard and IdentityForce offer this service. Identity Guard monitors the dark web and looks for your personally identifiable information on suspicious websites. This can include your driver’s license, medical information and Social Security number. If this information is found, the service removes it for you.

>> Related: Guide to Preventing Medical ID Theft

IdentityForce offers monitoring of those same pieces of information plus requests to change your address. It will also remove information from dangerous websites. As an added protection, IdentityForce monitors the sex offender registry to make sure your name is not used and the company can alert you if a registered offender lives near you or moves to your area. Plus, IdentityForce monitors court records to make sure someone is not using your name in criminal cases.

Financial & Credit Monitoring

Protecting your identity also means protecting your credit and other finances. Identity Guard monitors credit profiles and can alert you if anything suspicious is seen. It can do the same with loans, leases and other financial accounts. As an added measure, your medical accounts are also monitored for medical insurance fraud. With Identity Guard, you can have access to an emergency $2,000 immediately in the event that your accounts are frozen due to fraud.

Payday loan schemes are one way criminals obtain your information, but IdentityForce can protect you from this type of fraud. It also protects against medical fraud by keeping an eye on your accounts. Lastly, IdentityForce carefully watches your credit reports, accounts and scores to spot any illegal activity and will notify you if any new accounts are opened or suspicious activities occur.

Identity Restoration & Insurance Coverage

The recovery process can be long and costly for people, but both companies provide insurance coverage to help with restoring your identity in case of theft. Identity Guard offers $1 million to help with costs such as the reimbursement for lost funds and paying for legal services.

IdentityForce offers $1 million in insurance coverage to help with identity restoration, just like Identity Guard does. However, IdentityForce offers more services geared toward helping you recover after theft. Plus, it also offers assistance around the clock to help customers if identity theft occurs.

Pricing & Plans

There are a range of different plans you can choose from with Identity Guard, including the Value plan, the Total plan and the Premier plan. The first category is for individuals and is priced at $8.99, $19.99 and $29.99 per month respectively. The second category is for families and costs $14.99, $29.99 and $39.99 per month depending on the plan you choose.

IdentityForce offers two plans. The UltraSecure plan costs $17.99 per month or $179.90 annually. The UltraSecure + Credit plan costs $23.99 on a monthly basis or you can pay $239.90 for the annual plan.

Summary: Identity Guard vs IdentityForce

Both Identity Guard and IdentityForce can help monitor your accounts, scour the dark web for illegal use of your information and offer a maximum of $1 million to help you recover and restore your identity. Identity Guard offers a bit more in credit and financial monitoring, but IdentityForce brings suspicious activity right to the credit bureaus. Both companies take protecting your identity seriously, but the choice is yours.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the companies referenced in this article. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the companies mentioned. We may be compensated through advertiser affiliate programs.