Can LifeLock be trusted?

Identity theft is a growing concern in today's digital age. With countless data breaches and sophisticated phishing scams, protecting your personal information has become paramount. LifeLock, now part of NortonLifeLock, is a popular identity theft protection service that promises to safeguard your data and provide peace of mind. But can LifeLock be trusted to deliver on its promises? This comprehensive review will delve into LifeLock's features, pricing, effectiveness, customer service, and overall reputation to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Identity Theft and the Need for Protection

Before assessing LifeLock, it's crucial to understand the scope of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information, and uses it for fraudulent purposes. This can range from opening credit accounts in your name to filing false tax returns or even committing crimes. The consequences of identity theft can be devastating, leading to financial losses, damaged credit scores, and significant emotional distress.

Traditional methods of protecting yourself, such as monitoring your credit reports and being cautious with your personal information, are important but may not be enough. Identity theft protection services like LifeLock offer an extra layer of security by actively monitoring your personal information and alerting you to potential threats.

What is LifeLock and How Does It Work?

LifeLock is an identity theft protection service that monitors various sources for potential threats to your personal information. These sources include:

• Credit bureaus: LifeLock monitors your credit reports for new accounts, credit inquiries, and changes to your credit score.
• Public records: LifeLock scans public records for changes to your address, court records, and other information that could indicate identity theft.
• The dark web: LifeLock searches the dark web for your personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and Social Security numbers, that may have been compromised in data breaches.
• Criminal records: LifeLock monitors criminal records for activity associated with your name and address.

When LifeLock detects suspicious activity, it will alert you via email, text message, or phone call. The service also provides assistance in resolving identity theft issues, including helping you file police reports, dispute fraudulent charges, and restore your credit.

LifeLock's Key Features

LifeLock offers a range of features designed to protect your identity. These features vary depending on the plan you choose, but some of the most common include:

• Identity Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of your personal information across various platforms.
• Credit Monitoring: Alerts for changes to your credit report from one or all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
• Dark Web Monitoring: Scans of the dark web for compromised personal information.
• Lost Wallet Protection: Assistance in canceling and replacing lost or stolen credit cards and identification cards.
• 24/7 Live Member Support: Access to customer service representatives who can assist you with identity theft issues.
• Stolen Funds Reimbursement: Reimbursement for funds stolen as a result of identity theft (up to a certain limit depending on your plan).
• Personal Expense Compensation: Compensation for expenses incurred as a result of identity theft (up to a certain limit depending on your plan).
• Identity Lock: Locks your TransUnion credit file to prevent unauthorized access.
• Social Security Number Trace: Monitors the use of your Social Security number to detect fraudulent activity.
• Sex Offender Registry Reports: Alerts you to registered sex offenders living in your neighborhood. (Part of some plans)
• Court Records Scanning: Monitors court records for activity using your personal information.

LifeLock Pricing and Plans

LifeLock offers several different plans, each with varying levels of protection and pricing. As of October 2024, these are the main plans. Note that pricing can change, so always check the official LifeLock website for the most up-to-date information.

LifeLock Standard

The entry-level plan, LifeLock Standard, typically includes:

• Identity Lock (TransUnion Credit File)
• Dark Web Monitoring
• Stolen Wallet Protection
• Norton 360 Security Software

LifeLock Advantage

The LifeLock Advantage plan offers more comprehensive protection, including:

• Everything in the Standard plan
• Credit Monitoring (One Bureau)
• Bank & Credit Card Activity Alerts
• Crime Alerts
• Data Breach Notifications

LifeLock Ultimate Plus

The most comprehensive plan, LifeLock Ultimate Plus, includes:

• Everything in the Advantage plan
• Credit Monitoring (Three Bureaus)
• Credit Score Tracking
• Social Security Number & Credit Alerts
• Investment Account Activity Alerts
• Home Title Monitoring

It's important to compare the features and pricing of each plan to determine which one best suits your needs and budget. Consider your risk tolerance and the level of protection you require.

LifeLock's Effectiveness: Does It Really Work?

The effectiveness of LifeLock, like any identity theft protection service, is a subject of debate. While LifeLock can provide valuable monitoring and alerts, it's not a foolproof solution. No service can completely prevent identity theft, as determined criminals can always find new ways to steal personal information.

However, LifeLock can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft by:

• Early Detection: Monitoring your credit reports and other sources can help you detect fraudulent activity early on, giving you time to take action and minimize the damage.
• Data Breach Notifications: LifeLock alerts you when your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, allowing you to take steps to protect your accounts.
• Assistance with Recovery: If you do become a victim of identity theft, LifeLock can provide assistance in resolving the issue, including helping you file police reports, dispute fraudulent charges, and restore your credit.

It's crucial to understand that LifeLock is a preventative measure, not a guarantee against identity theft. You should still practice good security habits, such as using strong passwords, being cautious of phishing scams, and regularly monitoring your credit reports.

LifeLock Customer Service and Support

Customer service is a critical aspect of any identity theft protection service. If you become a victim of identity theft, you'll need prompt and effective assistance to resolve the issue. LifeLock offers 24/7 live member support, but customer reviews regarding the quality of their support are mixed.

Some customers have reported positive experiences with LifeLock's customer service, praising their responsiveness and helpfulness. However, others have complained about long wait times, difficulty reaching a representative, and unhelpful or inexperienced support staff.

Before subscribing to LifeLock, it's a good idea to research customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the overall customer service experience. Also, consider reaching out to LifeLock's customer service team before signing up to see how responsive and helpful they are.

LifeLock's Reputation and History

LifeLock has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its advertising practices and security claims. In 2010 and again in 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed complaints against LifeLock, alleging that the company made deceptive claims about its identity theft protection services. The FTC alleged that LifeLock didn't adequately protect customers' sensitive data and falsely advertised the comprehensiveness of its protection.

LifeLock settled both cases with the FTC, agreeing to pay millions of dollars in penalties and improve its security practices. These past issues are important to consider when evaluating LifeLock's trustworthiness. However, it's also important to note that LifeLock has taken steps to address the FTC's concerns and improve its security measures since then.

Today, LifeLock is owned by NortonLifeLock, a reputable cybersecurity company. This acquisition has brought additional resources and expertise to LifeLock's security efforts.

Pros and Cons of LifeLock

To summarize, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of LifeLock:

Pros:

• Comprehensive identity monitoring across various sources
• Early detection of potential identity theft
• Assistance with resolving identity theft issues
• Stolen Funds Reimbursement and Personal Expense Compensation (depending on the plan)
• 24/7 live member support
• Ownership by NortonLifeLock, a reputable cybersecurity company

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to other identity theft protection services
• Customer service reviews are mixed
• Past issues with deceptive advertising and security practices
• Doesn't completely prevent identity theft

Alternatives to LifeLock

If you're not convinced that LifeLock is the right choice for you, there are several other identity theft protection services to consider, including:

• Identity Guard: Offers similar features to LifeLock, with a focus on affordability.
• Experian IdentityWorks: Provides credit monitoring and identity theft protection services from one of the major credit bureaus.
• IDShield: Offers comprehensive identity theft protection and legal support.
• Aura: Combines identity theft protection with antivirus software and VPN services.

Before choosing an identity theft protection service, compare the features, pricing, customer reviews, and overall reputation of each option.

Conclusion: Is LifeLock Trustworthy?

So, can LifeLock be trusted? The answer is nuanced. LifeLock offers a range of valuable features that can help protect you from identity theft. The company has also taken steps to address past concerns and improve its security practices. However, it's important to be aware of LifeLock's limitations and potential drawbacks, such as the cost, mixed customer service reviews, and the fact that it cannot completely prevent identity theft.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to trust LifeLock depends on your individual needs and risk tolerance. If you're looking for a comprehensive identity theft protection service that can provide valuable monitoring and alerts, LifeLock may be a good option. However, you should also consider other alternatives and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Remember to practice good security habits regardless of whether you subscribe to an identity theft protection service.