In this digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. With hackers constantly finding new ways to steal our personal information, the threat of identity theft is always looming. According to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research, there were a record-high 16.7 million victims of identity theft in the United States in 2017, and the number continues to rise.

Identity theft not only causes financial losses and damages to credit scores, but it can also have a devastating impact on someone’s personal and emotional well-being. This is where identity theft protection comes in. Identity theft protection is a service that helps individuals safeguard their personal information and mitigate the risks of identity theft. While some may view it as an unnecessary expense, the benefits of identity theft protection far outweigh the cost. Here are some positive benefits of investing in identity theft protection:

1. Early Detection of Suspicious Activity

One of the major benefits of identity theft protection is that it can help detect suspicious activity early on. With constant monitoring of credit reports and financial accounts, any unusual activity can be alerted to the individual. This allows victims to take immediate action and prevent any further damage. Identity theft protection services also provide real-time alerts for any changes in credit scores or new accounts being opened in the individual’s name, which can be crucial in detecting and stopping identity theft before it escalates.

2. Assistance with Identity Theft Recovery

In the unfortunate event that an individual falls victim to identity theft, identity theft protection offers assistance with recovery. This often includes access to a personal case manager who can guide the victim through the recovery process, provide legal assistance, and even help with notifying credit bureaus and financial institutions. This kind of support can be invaluable during a stressful and overwhelming time.

3. Credit Monitoring

Most identity theft protection services include credit monitoring as part of their package. This means that they regularly check for any changes or inquiries made on an individual’s credit report. This allows individuals to keep track of their credit score and can help them spot any discrepancies or potential fraudulent activity.

4. Protection Across Multiple Areas

Identity theft protection does not just cover financial accounts, but also extends to other areas where personal information may be at risk. This may include social media accounts, personal documents such as driver’s licenses and passports, and even medical records. With the rise of medical identity theft, where hackers use stolen personal information to access medical care, this kind of protection is becoming increasingly important.

5. Educational Resources

Many identity theft protection services offer educational resources and tools to help individuals understand and prevent identity theft. This may include tips on how to create strong passwords, how to spot phishing scams, and how to secure personal information online. By educating individuals, identity theft protection not only helps prevent identity theft but also promotes a proactive approach towards safeguarding personal information.

In conclusion, the benefits of identity theft protection are numerous and essential in today’s digital world. By providing early detection, assistance with recovery, credit monitoring, protection across multiple areas, and educational resources, identity theft protection services offer individuals peace of mind and confidence in their online security. As the threat of identity theft continues to evolve, investing in identity theft protection is a small price to pay for the protection and security of one’s personal information.