New Tool To Help Consumers Battle Identity Theft

A new mobile app from identity theft protection company IDShield was released on Monday (June 6) and aims to help consumers by putting information and control in their hands when it comes to safeguarding against identity theft threats.

IDShield said its all-new app will feature up-to-date and comprehensive identity monitoring information, as well as access to a private investigator if issues do arise for a user.

“The sooner you become aware of a potential or legitimate identity theft, the better chance you have of fixing it before it can cause damage,” Jeff Bell, CEO of LegalShield, IDShield’s parent company, said in a press release. “That’s the advantage of IDShield’s new app. We’re giving our members real-time information and immediate access, with the touch of a button, to the industry’s only dedicated team of licensed private investigators.”

The IDShield app will feature 24/7 emergency call service for members, customized alerts and full-service identity monitoring.

“Consumers often think monitoring their credit is enough, but while thieves would like to take your money, they really want your identity to steal other people’s money,” Bell added. “In cases like medical benefits theft or child identity theft, consumers often don’t know they have been a victim until long after the fact. Constant monitoring and instant access to help can reduce the chance of certain types of identity theft.”

According to IDShield, identity theft complaints have increased significantly, by more than 47 percent, since 2014. Last year, the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network recorded nearly 500,000 complaints related to identity theft, with approximately 1,000 people calling the commission every day to report identity theft.