Safehome.org is dedicated to helping people rest easy at night. We’re here to show our readers how to get the most secure home possible for the best possible price. That’s why we never charge our readers for our content.
We participate in partnerships that we may receive compensation from. We never allow these partnerships to influence our trusted reviews and rankings.
Our editorial decisions are ours alone, and our recommendations are based solely on our expertise, experience, and opinions. Our reviews are the result of hours of careful research. When we endorse, rank, or review products and services, we’re making independent judgments that you can trust.
In order to keep our important content free to readers, we participate in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Our partnerships exist to help us serve our readers — never the other way around. We partner only with companies that meet our strict standards for quality, and we never allow our partners to dictate the content in our trusted reviews and rankings. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date home security information to our readers, and everything that we do is in service of that goal.
Safehome.org is driven by one mission only: to become the #1 resource that helps the everyday person protect themselves and their family.
To this end, we’ve recruited industry experts to advise our editorial team. Our expert panel brings a wealth of experience from various backgrounds such as burglary detectives, identity theft experts, senior care professionals, and more. Rest assured that our reviews, guides, and recommendations all contain factual information from highly-reputable sources.
We also spend countless hours researching and testing products and services. Our objective findings are then distilled into SecureScore, an at-a-glance score that is both trustworthy and incredibly useful.
To maintain reader trust, we must remain unbiased, truthful, and thorough. This is a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue to recruit the brightest minds and deliver top-quality information in each of our reviews and SecureScore ratings. And that’s a SafeHome.org promise.
Identity Guard®
SecureScore™: 9.3/10
Identity Guard uses IBM’s Watson artificial intelligence platform to offer protections that evolve to meet the ever-changing threat landscape of identity theft. Great news for military members who might be away for long periods of time - this service is constantly evolving to stay up-to-date.
NortonLifeLock’s focus on cybersecurity hardens your networks against hackers, but they also offer powerful core protections to keep military personnel’s identities safe.
Scammers targeting military personnel will have a tough time sneaking past Aura’s full battery of fraud defenses, all available wherever in the world you happen to be via Aura’s top-rated app.
Identity Guard uses IBM’s Watson artificial intelligence platform to offer protections that evolve to meet the ever-changing threat landscape of identity theft. Great news for military members who might be away for long periods of time - this service is constantly evolving to stay up-to-date.
NortonLifeLock’s focus on cybersecurity hardens your networks against hackers, but they also offer powerful core protections to keep military personnel’s identities safe.
Scammers targeting military personnel will have a tough time sneaking past Aura’s full battery of fraud defenses, all available wherever in the world you happen to be via Aura’s top-rated app.
IdentityForce - IdentityForce is a well-rounded option for comprehensive protections suitable for most privacy-minded folks.
The American Armed Forces is one of the most elite groups of dedicated, disciplined men and women the world has ever seen, but that doesn't mean they are immune to the threats of identity theft. Their duties often put them at a disadvantage when it comes to protecting their identities, particularly if they are deployed abroad.
If you're a service member, it’s important to stay safe in all regards; that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top three identity theft protection services for members of the military.
Identity Guard is one of our favorite services, and for good reason. They’ve partnered with IBM to leverage the power of the company’s Watson artificial intelligence platform, meaning that their protections are getting smarter every day. That’s important for military personnel who may not be able to pay attention to their credit reports, financial accounts, and other early indicators of identity theft for long periods of time. Before we get into that though, let’s have a look at Identity Guard’s pros and cons.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Affordable basic identity monitoring starting at $6.67 per month
Family plans cover five adults and unlimited children (similar to Aura)
Tiered subscriptions means you can customize your protection
U.S.-based customer service and expert fraud resolution
Near real-time alerts
Cons:
Top-tier Ultra plan is expensive at $29.99 if billed monthly
Entry-level Value plan lacks credit and financial monitoring
Doesn’t offer antivirus protection
Insurance coverage is the same regardless of the plan
No resolution service in Value plan
Our Experience:
One of our favorite features we found when we reviewed Identity Guard for military personnel is their data breach alert functionality. Data breaches occur when a company you’ve done business with, a financial institution, a medical provider, or a government agency with your identifying information on file gets hacked. This data usually ends up in dark-web marketplaces where identity thieves often buy, sell, and trade the identities of others.
Did You Know? Data Breaches are serious business. If your information is leaked, there’s a one in five chance you’re going to become the victim of identity theft.
If your personal information is out there, you want to know about it — even if you’re half a world away serving in the military. Identity Guard scans the records of known data breaches and will alert you if your sensitive information could potentially be showing up where it shouldn’t and getting into the wrong hands. This is what we’re talking about when we say they offer proactive protections — something you as a member of the military should actively seek out in your search for an identity theft protection service.
To get a better idea of what they’re bringing to the table while you’re shopping around, be sure to check out our guide to Identity Guard’s plans and pricing.
NortonLifeLock is another great option for military members looking to protect their identities and finances. They offer some of the best cybersecurity protections in the industry, and their core functionalities will keep you protected from myriad threats.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Up to $3 million in identity theft coverage per adult
Bundles with Norton 360, a high-quality antivirus and workable VPN
Three-bureau credit monitoring with a premium plan and one-bureau credit monitoring with other plans
All plans include at least $1 million in identity theft coverage
Quality notifications with helpful descriptions and tips for minimizing exposure
Cons:
Expensive even with an annual plan discount
Too many options without an easy way to compare plans
Issues accessing the free trial on certain browsers
Prices increase after the first year
Our Experience:
One of our favorite functions for long-term protection we found when we analyzed NortonLifeLock is their TransUnion credit lock feature, which can be especially useful for military personnel. While managing credit locks isn’t exclusive to NortonLifeLock, it’s a pretty unique feature that we don’t see that often. What is a credit lock, though? Glad you asked.
A credit lock prevents anyone from accessing your credit file before the lock is lifted. This effectively thwarts fraudsters from opening up unauthorized lines of credit or taking out loans in your name. Setting this up before you’re deployed can prevent you from coming home to a financial mess.
Did You Know? There’s also a similar function called a credit freeze. These take a little longer to set up and undo, and they offer different legal protections for different kinds of identity theft compared to standard locks. We recommend contacting the credit monitoring bureaus to discuss your situation and figure out which option might be best for you.
If you do, however, find yourself in an identity theft-related bind, NortonLifeLock offers some of the best restorative services out there. If your identity is stolen and you suffer material losses, they’re going to cover you for up to $1 million dollars. They also offer an additional $1 million for any additional expenses you might rack up, and if your case is so complicated that you need the help of lawyers to unravel it — you guessed it — they’ve got you covered for another $1 million.
Keep in mind, though, we’re talking about NortonLifeLock’s top tier of coverage here, which is a little pricey. To see what plan is right for you and your budget, check out our guide to NortonLifeLock’s services and pricing structures.
Product Specs:
Identity monitoring
Yes
Credit monitoring
1-bureau or 3-bureau
Insurance
Up to $1 million
Free trial
7 days
Money-back guarantee
30 days
3
Aura Identity Theft Protection - Best Fraud Monitoring
Additional digital safety tools for family plans including online predator and cyberbullying protection
Retirement and investment account monitoring
14-day free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee
Comprehensive feature set and monitoring in every plan
Cons:
With so many features, apps can get confusing
All plans offer the same core features; no cheaper subscription options
VPN does not offer more advanced features like changing server location
Some features (email alias, robocall protection, etc.), while useful, seem gimmicky
Our Experience:
In 2021, scammers stole $267 million from servicemen and their families through various schemes.1 Active-duty military are often victims of identity theft because they’re too busy serving our country to keep tabs on all their sensitive data, SSNs included. Aura’s individual, couples, and family ID theft protection plans work like a lock box for our bank accounts, credit reports, and personal data, sending instant alerts at the first sign of suspicious behavior and guaranteeing up to $1 million in coverage if we ever fall victim to ID theft.
One of the worst stories I ever heard was about a veteran who was looking to make his pension go a little further but ended up losing everything when he invested in a phony fund. This is what we call “military pension fraud,” a phrase that shouldn’t even exist. But it happens, shockingly often, and it’s just one of many utterly sleazy scams lowlifes who target servicemen may use to clean out their bank accounts. Which is where Aura’s fraud defenses come in.
You can think of Aura’s ID theft protection system like an intricate series of burglar alarms, each set to go off at the slightest tremor of fraud. When Aura senses suspicious behavior, you’ll get an alert on your app — whether you’re halfway around the world or at home with your family.
Speaking of active duty, Aura will also protect your family while you’re away — not just with instant fraud alerts, but proactively, too, with a complimentary virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software for safer internet browsing. Because crooks will use all sorts of tricks to lure military personnel and their families, including fake websites that charge for (fake) military and medical records.
Did You Know? Fraudsters have been known to target veterans looking for jobs and educational opportunities. If the application includes a blank line for your Social Security number or bank details, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.
For a feature-by-feature breakdown, check out our complete Aura review. Aura’s prices — $10-11 per user per month — aren’t high at all. That’s for individuals and couples, by the way. If you grab a family plan, you’ll be paying closer to $7 per head for a family of five.
Simply put — while testing and reviewing IdentityForce, we found it to be an absolute workhorse. They proved all around, comprehensive protections from credit monitoring and reporting, to financial account alerts, to cybersecurity protections. They’re a great choice for anyone looking for a little bit of everything. Before we look at why they’re a good option for military members, though, let’s take a look at their pros and cons.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Comprehensive, 24/7 Identity Theft Monitoring
3-Bureau Credit Monitoring, Scoring, Reporting
Cyberbullying, Phishing, and Ransomware Reimbursement
Exclusive Digital Safety Protections for Families
Extremely Detailed Reports
Actionable Notifications
Excellent Desktop Interface with Intuitive Design
VPN Access Through Mobile App
Cons:
Underwhelming Mobile App
Somewhat High Price Tag
No External Frills
Our Experience:
Although it might be tempting to do so, it’s best to avoid social media altogether when you’re deployed. However, that doesn’t mean that your accounts aren’t vulnerable — and they’re a treasure trove of information for identity thieves. The good news is that IdentityForce has some of the most powerful social media monitoring tools on the market today; they’ll keep you protected from hackers and alert you if anything suspicious is going on in your absence.
Did You Know? About 22 percent of internet users say their social media accounts have been hacked at least once.
IdentityForce also offers a wealth of resources and financial planning tools to help you get on track with civilian life once you return from duty. Their credit score simulator can help you set goals to build your credit, and their resource library can give you information on everything you’ll need to know about anything from applying for your first credit card to securing a mortgage. When we say they’re all-encompassing — we mean it.
Like most services, they offer several different protection tiers. Take a look at our full breakdown of IdentityForce costs to see if they have what you’re looking for.
So we’ve talked about the protections — but what should you do if you think you’ve become a victim? If you’ve purchased an identity theft protection plan already, you’re likely in pretty good shape. If you haven’t, though, there are still immediate steps you should take.
Product Specs:
Dark Web Monitoring
Yes
Credit Protection
Yes
Family Plans
Yes
Insurance Coverage
$1 million
Free Trial
30-Day
Guarantee
None
Why Are Military Members Often the Targets of Identity Theft?
As we mentioned earlier, being in the military has some disadvantages when it comes to protecting your identity. Namely that you aren’t always available to monitor certain aspects of your civilian life. You’re also at a much higher risk of identity theft. But why?
There are quite a few reasons, but one of the primary factors is that active-duty military personnel are often so far detached from their civilian life that identity thieves know their crimes are likely to go unreported. Add to that the knowledge that service members are receiving steady paychecks piling up in their accounts, and you have the perfect storm for identity theft.
It’s also important to understand that the stakes are a lot higher for a member of the military as opposed to the average civilian. An identity theft incident for military personnel can have severe consequences, including the revocation of security clearances, potentially derailing entire careers. It pays to keep yourself protected.
One of the first things you should do if you’re deployed is to place an “Active Duty Alert” on your credit file. This will ensure that any unusual spending while you’re gone will immediately be flagged, and the credit agency will respond accordingly.
If you want to take it a step further, you could also consider having your credit files locked or frozen. This will prevent any unauthorized person from taking out a line of credit or loan in your name.
Additionally, many veterans are eligible for free credit monitoring through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as a program called “More Than a Number” that provides you and your beneficiaries with information on how to protect yourselves.
That said, you should absolutely have someone watching out for your best interest while you are in the field watching out for ours. That’s why we recommend dedicated, professional, comprehensive identity theft protections.
What to Do If You Are Deployed and Suspect Identity Theft
If you are deployed and you suspect identity theft, you should react as quickly as possible. Before you panic, stop and analyze the situation. What type of identity theft has occurred? As you start to unpack the situation, keep meticulous notes with names, dates, and times including records of all your actions.
If you’ve invested in an identity theft protection service, contact them first, as their resolution specialists will give you direction based on your specific situation, and they’ll handle a lot of the legwork for you.
That said, here are the general, rule-of-thumb steps you should take. Note, however, that every identity theft incident is different, and your specific needs might deviate from this list.
General Steps to Identity Theft Restitution
Place a fraud alert with one of the three national credit reporting agencies, Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. Once you put a fraud alert on one credit bureau they will notify the other two, and all three will add extra layers of scrutiny to all new credit inquiries.
Check every one of your financial accounts for fraudulent activity and closely review all three of your credit reports.
File a report with the authorities, and contact any organizations where fraudulent activity occurred.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Check your computer and mobile devices for viruses and malware.
Fill out the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Affidavit to secure your proof of identity. This will be important in proving that you are who you say you are — probably for years to come.
After an identity theft incident has occurred, it could take hundreds of hours to straighten everything out, and this process could take years. The good news is, if you have a solid identity theft protection service working for you, they will take care of most (but not all) of this for you.
If you are in the military and are frequently on active duty, understand you’re a preferred target of identity theft. You really can’t afford to be without protection. Investing in an identity theft service like the ones mentioned above is your best possible option to protect your military and civilian life with as little disruption as possible.
Features of Identity Theft Services for Military Personnel
It's particularly important for military personnel to have the very best identity theft protection with all the right features, especially since they are a preferred target for identity thieves. Therefore, consider taking some time to learn and thoroughly understand all the different options available to you. Then compare those options to narrow down which service best fits your particular needs. This is the only way you will be able to make an educated decision about which service is right for you.
Here are some of the most common features of identity theft services for military personnel in 2024.
SSN Monitoring
SSN Monitoring is a value-packed feature for military personnel. After all, your incredibly important SSN is often needed to complete piles of paperwork. So it’s natural you’d become a prime target for identity theft. Not to worry — SSN Monitoring searches billions of data points to ensure your SSN isn’t being used fraudulently. If it is, you’re alerted immediately.
Black Market Surveillance
The back-door dealings of military identities is a rising threat. Cybercriminals are buying, selling, and trading everything from addresses and SSN’s, to driver’s license numbers, personal passwords, and the list goes on. Don’t get caught on the losing end of these dirty deals. Get Black Market Surveillance — a feature that searches black-market criminal strongholds to keep your good name safe.
Social Media Monitoring
Military personnel should be especially vigilant on social media. Thieves are constantly lurking and searching for an easy target. Once they find and scrape your personal info, they sell it via the dark web, hacker forums, and other underground trading zones. That’s why Social Media Monitoring is a wise investment. The tech-forward feature goes the distance to protect you from fraud.
Dark Web Monitoring
Dark Web Monitoring is another feature to look for in ID theft services for the military. And the reason is simple — the dark web is a dangerous place where your identity could fall into the wrong hands and cause great harm. So this feature dives deep to scan underground websites, hacker forums, and other place where cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade identities.
Identity Theft Insurance Coverage
Identity Theft Insurance could save you thousands of dollars, perhaps even more. The priceless coverage puts money back in your pocket should you fall victim to costly identity theft. This coverage brings peace of mind for military personnel who are often not around to deal with the fallout. Let the insurance cover the cost and put you back on track.
Pay Day Loan Monitoring
Fast cash at your expense. That’s the payday loan scam. The thief steals your social security number and other information. Then they head to the payday lender to take out a loan in your name — a loan you might have to repay. Not fair, right? That’s why Payday Loan Monitoring is a feature not to be missed for military personnel.
Lost Wallet Protection
Lost Wallet Protection is offered by most ID theft protection services for military. Whether stationed in the U.S., or deploying abroad, you could misplace your wallet — a mistake that strikes fear into the heart’s of men and women. Not to worry! Lost Wallet Protection steps in to cancel and replace credit cards, driver’s licenses, and other sensitive information.
Address Change Verification
Address Change Verification is a powerful feature for military personnel. If you go unprotected, identity thieves can forward your mail to a different address and open accounts in your name. Often, you might be too busy serving our country to receive the address change notice. So this feature monitors for suspicious mail activity and alerts you if necessary.
Identity Restoration
Leave identity restoration to the pros. You have bigger fish to fry as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Identity Restoration is a full-service feature offered by many identity theft protection companies. In the event your identity is stolen — whether stateside or abroad — a team of experts will work to restore your identity to pre-fraud status. Don’t go without it!
SafeHome.org only uses high-quality sources to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Max Sheridan brings over two decades of writing experience to our team. He has spent 1,000-plus hours researching VPNs, identity theft protection, and various topics in cyber technology. Previously, Max was an investigative journalist, and he is also a published novelist. He earned a B.A. in Classics from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Classics from the University of Illinois. He currently lives in Nicosia, Cyprus.