Are identity theft protection services worth the price?

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Online searches for identity theft programs have skyrocketed since the recent Experian data breach. As identity theft protection services are poised to become a multi-million dollar business, the big question we should be asking ourselves is, “Are they worth the money?” The answer might surprise you. Probably not!
 
Ironically, the data you must divulge to these companies makes you more vulnerable to exposure in the event of a data breach.  Another factor is while these services may benefit folks who already are the victims of a data breach, they don’t offer much in the way of preventive measures. What they offer is akin to insurance that may help you if your identity is compromised or stolen. However, you may already have this kind of insurance through your credit cards, by way of Visa and MasterCard “zero liability rules.”
 
A much better way to keep your identity (and your credit) safe is by placing a credit freeze on your accounts. Please click here to read our earlier blog post about using a free credit freeze for protection.
 
The bottom line: As tempting as identity theft programs may seem, there are better ways to stay safe.
 
Click on this link to learn more about why identity theft prevention services may not be worth the money.

Unsure about how to protect yourself and your computer from hackers? Make an appointment with Jensen to review your options.
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