By Ken Stoll

Another independent review of identity theft services indicates that Entrust America offers the top five identity theft protection features, while not surprisingly making no mention of credit freezes or lockdowns.

While the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Paul Harvey, Laura Ingraham are paid promoters who proclaim the benefits of credit lockdown services, most of the nation’s ID Theft experts do not endorse credit freezes as the nation's best identity theft solution.

Most experts agree that lockdowns and fraud alerts offer incomplete protection; credit monitoring alone does not adequately protect you and your credit cards or banks do not have you covered.
 
Gartner Research says that identity monitoring combined with credit monitoring offers a much more comprehensive solution. Entrust America’s independent focus groups felt that Full Recovery Services were a very valuable component which offered an important benefit to consumers.

                    

The Top Five ID Theft Solutions:

A review in the American Chronicle suggests that these are the most important identity theft services for consumers:

1. Recovery - This is the most important component of any identity theft solution! Sometimes it is called restoration or resolution; it is the process of returning all records that have been fraudulently affected by an identity thief´s action to the way they were before the fraud was committed. These records could be credit reports, financial records, wage and earning reports, driving records, medical record or criminal records.

2. Credit Report Monitoring - This is an important part of a total protection strategy. But, it is not an identity theft solution, as it is sometimes portrayed by certain companies. It will not prevent identity theft, nor will it resolve any issues for you if you fall victim. It is only an early warning system that to tell you a thief is working behind the scenes, which can save time and prevent further damage to your good name. Without some type of credit monitoring, you may not be aware that a criminal is operating in the shadow for months, perhaps years. Credit monitoring is not 100% foolproof.

3. Identity Scoring - This involves scanning on a regular basis over national databases to look for anomalies in the use of a person´s name, social security number and address, alone or in any combination with other personal data. With this system, it may be possible to stop identity theft before the damage is done! According, this service is becoming one of the key components in the fight against identity theft damage.

4. Expense Reimbursement - Sometimes called Identity Theft Insurance, this is sold with various coverage limits from $15,000 to $20,000 or more. While this is a valuable part of the overall strategy, it is not a solution.

5. Education - Law enforcement says being informed and taking responsibility for safeguarding your personal information is the best prevention you can practice. Look for programs that provide you with current information, receive newsletters or alerts.


Interestingly, Entrust America's Identity & Credit Protection System provides all FIVE 'must-have' services within one single program. No wonder, it is called America's Most Comprehensive ID & Credit Protection system. Remarkably, this complete coverage is available for only $19.95 per month.