Should you Pay for Identity Theft Protection?

Hand in hand with the growing problem of identity theft are the businesses that spring up surrounding the phenomenon. At times they may be selling tangible goods that will serve to safeguard your personal information.




At other times they offer something akin to an insurance policy that will fiscally reimburse you if any of your personal information is misused and you suffer loss as a result. Should you pay for identity theft protection such as this or is that overkill?




When it comes to identity theft, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even as this adage will go with virtually any wrong and problem, it does especially ring true when it comes to your personal information.




Purchasing a locking rural mailbox and replacing your tried and true regular mailbox is the kind of identity theft protection that is well worth the money.




Shredders and computer firewalls, virus programs, and spyware protection software are all part and parcel of the kind of identity theft protection that is worth every penny.




On the other hand, the kind of programs that will offer insurance or reimbursement in case of identity theft need to be eyed with suspicion; in some cases these services will do little more than cause a notation to be put on your credit report that warns the agency against letting others see the file without written authorization by you.




This you can accomplish yourself within minutes and without having to pay for. Services that offer this kind of service as a major selling point are simply trying to capitalize on the misfortunes of others and it is a shame that they sell their wares as identity theft. My mentor Jay Peters is the founder of Consumer Publishing Group which publishes the Credit Secrets Bible (in print since 1994). To receive Free Credit Tips including “How to Bullet-Proof Yourself From Identity Theft For FREE!” visit their website




Other services that will offer bona fide remuneration in case of identity theft may be considered legitimate insurance policies, but it still is highly recommended that you understand the limitations before you sign up.