What Is the Best Identity Theft Protection for Seniors?
All it took was some basic personal information for an identity thief to impersonate an older Fresno resident, drain his bank account, and apply for numerous loans — stealing a total of $420,000 before getting caught [*].
Elder fraud and senior citizen identity theft are growing problems in America — but not always easy to measure. By some estimates [*]:
American seniors lose anywhere from $2.9 to $36.5 billion each year to identity theft and fraud.
These massive losses are why so many seniors and their families are looking into identity theft protection.
While no service can completely protect you or your loved ones from all forms of fraud, modern identity theft protection is getting better at staying one step ahead of scammers.
In this guide, we’ll explain what features to look for when choosing a solution and then cover the top eight identity theft protection providers for seniors. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the protection that’s best for you.
How To Choose the Right Provider: 7 Essential Features for Seniors
Identity theft happens when someone steals and uses your personal information to impersonate you or commit fraud and other crimes in your name.
Thieves often prey on seniors by using tactics that include tech support scams, phishing calls impersonating government agencies, buying data on the Dark Web, dumpster diving for mail, or even tricking caregivers into sharing information.
To stay safe, seniors should look for these key features in an identity theft protection service:
- Device and network protection. Even tech-savvy seniors can fall victim to phishing scams or virus-laden links. Look for features such as antivirus software, a virtual private network (VPN), Safe Browsing tools that block fake websites, and email aliases.
- Bank and investment account monitoring. Scammers often target seniors’ investment or retirement accounts. Look for a service that monitors all of your financial accounts (as well as your credit report at all three major bureaus) and can alert you to suspicious activity in near real-time.
- Home title monitoring. If you or your loved one owns a home, look for protection against home title theft. Many modern services can warn you if your home or even car title has been changed without your permission.
- Sensitive data monitoring (including Dark Web monitoring). Make sure your provider monitors your personal information — such as your full name, address, phone number, and Social Security number (SSN). Seniors should choose a plan that also protects data for Medicare, Medicaid, pensions, Social Security benefits, and more.
- Identity theft insurance to cover losses. Look for as high a coverage limit as possible, especially for retirees with accumulated wealth.
- 24/7 access to Fraud Resolution Specialists for hands-on help in case of a theft or fraud incident.
- Simple pricing plans without hidden fees or deceptive promotional discounts.
You can buy identity theft protection for yourself, or you can purchase it on behalf of someone else.
Some services let you add several users to your account, which can include elderly family members. For example, Aura’s family plan includes coverage for up to five adults in different households — perfect for parents or grandparents.
The 8 Best Identity Theft Protection Services for Seniors in 2023
- Aura
- LifeLock by Norton
- Identity Guard
- IdentityForce by TransUnion
- Experian IdentityWorks
- ID Watchdog by Equifax
- IDShield
- PrivacyGuard
The best identity theft protection services for seniors combine powerful tools with an easy-to-use interface. Here are our top picks for 2023 and why you might want to choose them:
1. Aura: Most comprehensive protection for seniors and families
Aura is a premium identity protection solution that offers all of the features that seniors need most. Aura’s suite of proactive services — from identity and credit monitoring to digital security tools — is available in an easy-to-use app or via the company’s website.
While Aura is a relatively new provider, it’s already won awards for its powerful identity theft protection from Money.com, Security.org, and Mom’s Choice Awards. Aura also has a 4.8-star rating from current users on TrustPilot [*].
Why Aura is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Safe Browsing tools. Every Aura plan proactively protects your sensitive data with a robust suite of tools that includes a secure password manager, military-grade virtual private network (VPN) to keep online activities private, and antivirus software to eliminate malware and shield you from hackers.
- Home, auto, 401(k) and retirement monitoring. Seniors often have more to lose from identity theft. Aura monitors valuable assets that many competitors skip, including home title and investment accounts.
- State-of-the-art monitoring. Aura monitors the internet (including the Dark Web) to see if your data has been leaked anywhere. It also checks court records, home titles, and sex offender registries to see if your details are being used fraudulently.
- Three-bureau credit monitoring with Experian credit lock. Aura detects identity and financial fraud by monitoring changes to credit reports across all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Aura also lets you lock and unlock your Experian credit file with just one tap.
- The fastest and most reliable fraud alerts. An independent study found that Aura detected the most credit inquiries and delivered alerts up to 250x faster than other providers.
- Up to $5 million in insurance coverage. Most companies only insure one person per plan, but Aura’s family plans insure up to five adults for $1 million each — up to $5 million in total. This not only includes expenses like legal fees, but also covers stolen funds — a feature that not all providers offer.
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer service. If identity fraud occurs, it can be difficult and time-consuming to navigate the process of reporting it to the police, contacting financial institutions, and taking the numerous other important steps needed to recover. Aura makes this easier for you with its experienced team of professional Fraud Resolution Specialists, who walk you through the process of fraud remediation.
Aura’s plans and simple pricing:
- Individual Plan. Starts from $12/month (for one adult)
- Couple Plan. Starts from $22/month (for two adults)
- Family Plan. Starts from $37/month (for five adults and unlimited kids)
Unlike many competitors, each of Aura’s identity theft protection plans includes every feature — including protection for up to 10 devices per adult.
The bottom line: Aura offers optimal identity theft protection and recovery services for seniors. It includes a complete suite of products to keep you and your family safe.
2. LifeLock by Norton: Industry veteran (with a few flaws)
LifeLock is one of the most recognizable names in identity theft protection and offers many similar features to Aura. However, unlike Aura — where every plan includes all features and the same high level of protection — LifeLock offers a seemingly endless array of plan options.
While this customization can seem useful at first, it can also feel confusing and overwhelming — leaving you either paying too much or lacking the kind of protection you need.
Potential subscribers should also be aware that the company suffered a data breach in December 2022 that exposed the private information of thousands of customers [*].
Why LifeLock is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Integration with Norton 360. The Norton suite of cybersecurity tools includes virus protection, VPN, parental controls, and a password manager.
- Dark Web monitoring. LifeLock scans the Dark Web for your information, such as driver’s license and SSN, and will send a notification if your data is found.
- Social media monitoring. LifeLock reviews your social media accounts and will alert you of any harmful or suspicious activity.
LifeLock (with Norton 360) plans and pricing (as of April 2023):
- Select. Starts from $8.29/month (but renews at $14.99/month after your first year)
- Advantage. Starts from $15.99/month (but renews at $24.99/month after your first year)
- Ultimate Plus. Starts from $24.99/month (but renews at $34.99/month after your first year)
These prices are for individual plans. If you want to cover an additional adult or family (two adults and up to five kids), you’ll need to pay more. For example, LifeLock with Norton 360 for a family costs $48.99/month and renews at a staggering $81.99 after your first year [*].
The bottom line: LifeLock offers basic coverage, but you’d need to purchase the Norton 360 bundle to compete with more affordable competitors — and a recent data breach doesn’t instill confidence.
💡 Curious how Aura and LifeLock compare? Read the Aura vs. LifeLock 2023 Showdown →
3. Identity Guard: Best for flexible ID theft monitoring plans
Identity Guard has been protecting Americans from identity theft and fraud for over 25 years.
Recently, the company joined forces with Aura to provide the same level of powerful identity theft protection for even more people. While Aura offers an all-in-one solution with plans that include features specifically designed for families, Identity Guard provides more flexible options with a clear focus on identity monitoring for older individuals.
Why Identity Guard is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Top-rated identity theft protection and fraud monitoring. Identity Guard was rated the Best ID Theft Protection Service of 2022 by Forbes Advisor.
- Safe Browsing tools and password manager. Identity Guard includes safe browsing tools and a password manager — helpful apps to keep seniors and the whole family safe online.
- Three-bureau credit monitoring, credit lock, and monthly credit scores: Identity Guard includes an in-depth suite of credit and financial monitoring and protection tools. On both the Total and Ultra plans, you get a monthly credit score, Experian credit file instant lock, and three-bureau credit monitoring.
- Bank account monitoring. On Total and Ultra plans, you’ll get alerts about fraudulent activity on your bank account. On the Ultra plan you’ll also receive notifications for your debit or credit cards and investment accounts.
- Five adults on family plans. Identity Guard offers the same great family plan as Aura, covering up to five adults (in different households) as well as an unlimited number of children.
Identity Guard’s plans and pricing (as of April 2023):
- Value. Starts from $8.99/month ($14.99 for families)
- Total. from $19.99/month ($29.99 for families)
- Ultra. from $29.99/month ($39.99 for families)
The bottom line: Identity Guard is a good option if you’re looking for strong identity theft protection with more flexible plans. Aura offers the same protection as Identity Guard, plus several additional digital security and family safety features, at roughly the same price.
4. IdentityForce by TransUnion: Good for credit report monitoring
IdentityForce is an ID theft monitoring service owned by the credit bureau TransUnion. In addition to individual and family plans, IdentityForce offers employee plans for businesses.
Why IdentityForce is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Device protection. IdentityForce plans include PC protection, mobile attack monitoring, VPN, and password manager.
- Comprehensive data monitoring. IdentityForce monitors specific types of information that matter to seniors — such as health care data and investment accounts like 401(k) funds.
- Medical ID fraud protection. This is a feature that few competitors offer. However, it only helps you review your medical benefits statement for signs of fraud; it does not proactively prevent medical identity theft.
- 24/7 U.S.-based support. Get customer support assistance and help with identity restoration in instances of fraud.
IdentityForce’s plans and pricing:
- UltraSecure. Starts from $17.95/month — offers basic identity theft monitoring and alerts
- UltraSecure+Credit. Starts from $23.95/month — offers everything in the UltraSecure plan, plus a three-bureau credit monitoring service, credit scores, and a credit simulator
You need to call the sales department for information on family plans.
The bottom line: IdentityForce has a strong suite of features, including several that matter most to seniors. Unfortunately, its lowest-tier plan doesn’t include as many features as some competitors.
💡 Related: Aura vs. IdentityForce: 2023 Comparison →
5. Experian IdentityWorks: Great for credit score monitoring
Experian IdentityWorks is an ID theft protection service offered by Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus. Experian claims to scan over 600,000 web pages to help detect signs of fraud [*].
Why IdentityWorks is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- FICO credit score information. Many other services only provide Vantage Scores. IdentityWorks also includes daily FICO scores and a credit simulator to help you improve your score.
- Identity theft notifications that alert you of new accounts, credit card applications, and other suspicious activity.
- Experian credit lock to protect your Experian credit file with a tap.
IdentityWorks’ plans and pricing:
- Basic Plan. Free — but only offers basic tools like a FICO score and Dark Web scan
- Premium Plan. Starts from $24.99/month
- Family Plan. Starts from $34.99/month (covers two adults and up to 10 children)
The bottom line: IdentityWorks has a strong focus on credit scores, making it one of the better options if that’s your priority.
💡 Related: Experian vs. LifeLock vs. Aura — Which Is Right For You? →
6. ID Watchdog by Equifax: Great for 401(k) insurance
ID Watchdog is owned by the credit bureau Equifax. One of its best features is an additional $1 million insurance policy for eligible retirement or health savings accounts (HSAs), in addition to $1 million in coverage for other identity theft expenses.
Readers should know Equifax suffered one of the largest data breaches in history in 2017, after failing to fix a known vulnerability [*].
Why ID Watchdog is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- $1 million 401(k) and HSA account insurance. This is an extra level of protection for retirement accounts that few competitors offer.
- Full management with a trained specialist until your case is resolved.
- Safe Browsing tools including a password manager and VPN to protect you online (only available on the Premium plan).
ID Watchdog’s plans and pricing:
- Select. Starts from $14.95/month ($23.95 for families)
- Premium. Starts from $21.95/month ($34.95 for families)
The bottom line: ID Watchdog’s $1 million insurance coverage for 401(k) and HSA accounts stands out. The features on its Premium plan are comparable to the lower-tier plans that competitors offer.
💡 Related: The 7 Best McAfee Alternatives in 2023 →
7. IDShield: Great threat resolution features
IDShield is a subsidiary of LegalShield and offers identity theft protection, monitoring, and recovery insurance.
Why IDShield is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Medical data reports to help you spot suspicious activity or impersonation. Seniors are common targets for medical identity theft.
- Unlimited customer support, even if you haven’t been a victim. If you have a concern or question, you can reach out 24/7.
- Credit freeze assistance. While you won’t be able to freeze your credit at the touch of a button, the IDShield team will help you freeze your credit files.
IDShield’s plans and pricing:
- Individual Plan. Starts from $14.95/month ($19.95 for three-bureau credit monitoring)
- Family Plan. Starts from $29.95/month ($24.95 for three-bureau credit monitoring)
The bottom line: IDShield offers solid identity theft protection, including a few unique features that are particularly valuable to seniors.
💡 Related: IDShield vs. LifeLock – Which One Is Right For You? →
8. PrivacyGuard: Great for simple individual plans
PrivacyGuard offers services to protect your credit and identity. It divides its credit and identity services into two plans, with a combination plan that offers both.
Why PrivacyGuard is a top identity theft protection service for seniors:
- Device protection with secure keyboard and secure browsing software.
- Bundled financial tools, including credit score tracking, financial calculators, credit score simulator, and credit information hotline.
- Monthly three-bureau credit reports on the Credit Protection and Total Protection plans.
PrivacyGuard’s plans and pricing:
- Identity Protection. Starts from $9.99/month — only offers basic identity protection
- Credit Protection. Starts from $19.99/month — includes monthly three-bureau credit scores
- Total Protection. Starts from $24.99/month — offers everything in both plans
PrivacyGuard does not offer a family plan but does let you track children’s Social Security numbers (SSNs) on the Total Protection plan.
The bottom line: PrivacyGuard offers quality identity protection but is lacking when it comes to the features that matter most to seniors.
Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It for Seniors?
Every American should take some steps to protect their identity. But if you can do much of the work yourself, is identity theft protection worth it?
It depends.
On one hand, you can review your financial accounts regularly, study your credit report, and stay vigilant 24/7 to keep yourself and your family safe.
But identity theft protection companies can do all this and more in real-time — protecting your identity across the internet and using artificial intelligence to pinpoint emerging threats.
These services can also spot types of identity theft that are easy for average consumers to miss — like falsified payday loans, out-of-state arrest records or sex offender registries, and personal data available for sale on the Dark Web.
Premium services like Aura also offer customer support for identity recovery and $1 million in insurance coverage in case of fraud. Aura keeps you safe wherever you go with its easy-to-use suite of antivirus software, Safe Browsing tools, password manager, VPN, and more.
Identity theft protection offers several features that you can’t implement yourself. But more than that, it gives you peace of mind for yourself and elderly family members.
💡 Related: 12 Alarming Senior Citizen Scams (and How To Avoid Them) →
What To Do If You (or a Loved One) Is the Victim of Identity Theft
If you or a loved one has already become a victim of identity theft, you should follow these steps to protect yourself and recover any losses.
The sooner you act, the more likely you can resolve the theft and prevent further damage.
- Report the incident to your identity theft protection provider if you have one. If not, you’ll need to reach out to any impacted company and alert them to the fraud. They may ask for a police or FTC report as proof that your identity was stolen.
- Dispute any fraudulent transactions with your financial institution, and ask them to provide a letter confirming that these transactions have been cleared from your record.
- Review all of your financial accounts for suspicious activity. Identity thieves may be able to attack several accounts by using the same information.
- Look over your credit report for unfamiliar loans or credit applications. You can request a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Change the passwords on your accounts and add two-factor authentication (2FA). Use strong and unique passwords on every account — even those that weren’t exposed.
- Consider setting up a credit freeze or fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies to protect your credit from fraudulent requests.
- File a report of the fraud with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and with local law enforcement.
The Bottom Line: Keep Your Identity Safe and Secure
Seniors can be particularly vulnerable targets for identity thieves. Aura helps protect seniors and their families with the tools, monitoring, and insurance needed to keep everyone safe. Secure your identity and stay protected online, 24/7.
