ExpressVPN launches three new ID theft tools to help you before, during, and after an incident
If you are one ExpressVPN users, you get access to some new identity theft tools — and won’t have to pay any extra for them.
Company (which tops our list as the fastest VPN service) announced a trio of new services this week aims to help you before, during and after one identity theft situation.
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Called Identity Defender, this package includes three tools: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, and Data Wipe. They are accessible via the ExpressVPN iOS and Android app, but other platforms are also coming soon.
Here’s how each tool works.
ID Alert scans the dark web for personal information, such as your social security number and address. If nefarious websites list your information, you will receive real-time notifications letting you know you may be at higher risk of identity theft.
You’ll also be alerted immediately if your information is used to apply for loans or jobs, your address is changed, or someone sets up mail redirection. Currently, the tool is limited to new users (registered after October 28), but it is being rolled out to all users.
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To use ID Alerts, go to the “Upgrade” tab at the bottom of the app. Enter the personal information you want to track (you can change this at any time) and press “Continue”. When the scan finishes, you will see a warning.
Next, ID Theft Insurance is an insurance plan from Assurance that provides up to $1 million in coverage if someone steals your identity, specifically covering areas such as data branches, audits forgery, embezzlement and stolen identities.
“Identity theft is a stressful situation in which you may find yourself owing money you didn’t spend and facing legal issues or damaged credit,” ExpressVPN explains.
This coverage “protects against costs incurred to deal with these issues and restore your identity.” It’s free for new users who subscribe to ExpressVPN for a year or two, but costs $7.99 monthly for non-subscribing users.
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Finally, Data Clearing regularly scans the web to let you know which data brokers and search sites keep your information. The tool will then help you request deletion of all your collected data. This service is free for existing ExpressVPN users.
If you subscribe on a monthly basis, ExpressVPN costs $12.95 a month. The six-month plan costs $9.99 monthly and the 12-month plan costs $6.67 monthly.