Tools for Monitoring Identity & Credit

Identity theft and credit fraud can go undetected for months if you’re not actively monitoring your accounts. Fortunately, there are tools and services that can help you spot suspicious activity early and take action before major damage is done.

Identity Monitoring Services

These tools alert you if your personal information appears where it shouldn’t:

• Dark Web Scanners — Check if your email, phone number, or SSN appears in leaked databases.
• Identity Theft Protection Services (LifeLock, IdentityForce, Aura, etc.) — Provide monitoring and recovery support.
• Free Alerts — Some banks and credit card companies notify you of unusual account activity.

Credit Monitoring Tools

These keep track of your credit activity and help you detect fraud:

• AnnualCreditReport.com — Get a free report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion once a year.
• Credit Karma / Credit Sesame — Free credit monitoring and alerts for suspicious changes.
• Paid Credit Monitoring — Advanced services offer daily updates and insurance coverage.

Additional Protection Steps

• Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus if you suspect identity theft.
• Consider a credit freeze to block new accounts from being opened in your name.
• Set up transaction alerts with your bank for unusual withdrawals or charges.
• Use a password manager to reduce password reuse risks.

Pro Tip: Even free monitoring tools can significantly reduce your risk of undetected fraud. Start with credit bureau reports, then add extra services as needed.