When most people hear the term “identity theft protection,” they tend to picture alerts about suspicious activity, dark web scans, and safeguards for sensitive data like Social Security numbers and bank account details. While those features are certainly important, they only scratch the surface of what these identity theft protection services actually provide. Many plans, especially those with premium options, offer a suite of unexpected benefits that can improve your financial awareness, streamline recovery in the event of a loss, and even help you stay better organized in day-to-day life.
If you’ve never looked closely at what comes with a basic or premium identity protection subscription, you might be surprised by just how far these services go beyond their core mission of safeguarding your information. From proactive tools that help you track your credit health to features that simplify your life when something goes wrong, these services have evolved into more than just digital watchdogs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the additional features that may be included in an identity protection theft protection service.
Free credit reports and score tracking
One of the most overlooked benefits of an identity theft protection plan is the ability to regularly check your credit score and access detailed credit reports. Many plans, especially those that include credit monitoring, provide subscribers with monthly or quarterly updates on their credit standing from one or more of the major credit bureaus. Some even allow you to track your score over time with interactive tools and dashboards.
This feature can be incredibly useful if you’re planning a large purchase, trying to build or rebuild your credit, or simply want to stay aware of your financial standing. Instead of signing up for a separate credit monitoring service, many people find that their identity theft protection subscription already gives them what they need to stay informed and proactive.
Lost wallet assistance
Losing your wallet can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. Beyond the initial panic of misplacing your personal belongings, the process of canceling credit cards, requesting new IDs, and protecting your identity from potential misuse can feel overwhelming. That’s why some identity theft protection services, like Zander Insurance, now offer lost wallet assistance as a built-in feature.
This typically includes 24/7 support to help you quickly cancel and replace your debit and credit cards, driver’s license, and other important documents. Some providers also keep encrypted records of your card details to make the replacement process even faster. While this might not be the first thing people associate with identity protection, it’s one of those perks that can save you a lot of headaches when you need help the most.
Dark web monitoring alerts for non-financial information
While most people think of identity theft in terms of stolen credit card numbers or Social Security data, today’s fraudsters target a much broader set of information. That’s why many modern identity protection services, like IdentityForce, now monitor the dark web for more than just financial details.
Depending on the provider, your account may include alerts if your email address, phone number, medical ID, insurance information, or even social media login credentials are found on suspicious forums or marketplaces. These alerts give you the opportunity to act quickly by changing passwords, contacting service providers, or taking additional security measures before the compromised information can be misused. It’s a valuable layer of defense that speaks to how these services are evolving with the times.
Insurance and reimbursement for stolen funds
A key feature of many identity theft protection services, often hidden in the fine print, is the inclusion of identity theft insurance. While the exact coverage varies, most plans offer up to $1 million in insurance to help cover expenses associated with restoring your identity after a breach. This can include attorney fees, reimbursement for stolen funds, notary costs, and even lost wages if you have to take time off work to resolve the issue.
This financial safety net can make a huge difference in your ability to recover from identity theft with minimal disruption. It also offers peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re not left footing the entire bill on your own. For many subscribers, this alone justifies the cost of enrollment, yet it’s often not something they consider when first signing up.
Child and family monitoring options
Another unexpected perk offered by several identity theft protection providers is the ability to monitor the identities of children and other family members as part of a family plan. Children are increasingly becoming targets of identity theft because their clean credit histories can be exploited for years before the fraud is detected. Services that include child monitoring allow you to freeze their credit, receive alerts if their personal information is misused, and take fast action if something goes wrong.
Some providers, like Identity Guard, also allow you to add other family members, like a spouse, elderly parent, or dependent relative, to your plan for a reasonable rate. This expanded coverage helps ensure your entire household is protected without having to manage multiple separate subscriptions.
Scam and spam call filtering
While not every identity theft protection service includes this feature, some, like Aura, go the extra mile by offering tools to block scam and spam calls. These services may integrate with third-party apps or offer their own call monitoring software to flag suspicious numbers and keep your phone line free of fraudulent activity.
Given how common phishing attempts are through phone calls, especially targeting older adults, this added layer of protection can significantly reduce your risk of being manipulated into giving away personal information. It’s a modern solution to a modern problem, and one that helps you stay ahead of fraud in more ways than just online.
Access to fraud resolution specialists
When identity theft does happen, having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Many protection services, like LifeLock, offer 24/7 access to trained fraud resolution specialists who can walk you through the process of recovering your identity, disputing fraudulent charges, and establishing your financial security.
These professionals act as advocates, guiding you step-by-step so you’re not alone during a highly stressful time. From filing police reports to contacting creditors, they help you cut through red tape and reclaim control quickly. It’s a level of hands-on support that can be hard to come by otherwise, and for many users, it’s one of the most valuable aspects of their subscription.
Identity theft protection services have many additional perks
While identity theft protection services are often marketed as tools for keeping your personal data safe, the reality is that they offer far more than just surveillance. From free credit score tracking and insurance coverage to family monitoring and live support, the benefits extend well beyond the basics. These unexpected perks can play a meaningful role in helping you stay financially healthy, organized, and prepared, whether or not you ever become a victim of fraud.
If you’re considering signing up for a service and want to learn more about specific services, or if you want to get a better idea of what to look for in an identity protection service, you should check out our identity theft protection top picks article as well as our buyer’s guide.
