AARP Identity Theft Protection Review, Plans, Pitfalls, and Better Alternatives

AARP Identity Theft Protection Review, Plans, Pitfalls, and Better Alternatives

As identity theft continues to surge—costing U.S. adults an estimated $43 billion in 2023—retirees remain a primary target. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has responded with a blend of free fraud-prevention tools and discounted Norton LifeLock plans. These services, while valuable for older adults, have notable limitations that may leave users underprotected without supplemental…

Best Identity Theft Protection Reports of 2025, Consumer Service Reports–Style Deep Dive

Best Identity Theft Protection Reports of 2025, Consumer Service Reports–Style Deep Dive

Identity theft continues to evolve, fueled by AI scams, synthetic identities, and widespread data breaches. While some still advocate for free do-it-yourself (DIY) tactics like credit freezes and password managers—Consumer Reports among them—today’s threat landscape demands more robust protection. Paid identity theft protection services have matured significantly, offering bundled services like three-bureau monitoring, dark web…

Does LifeLock Help with Identity Theft? A 2025 Expert Analysis of Features, Pros, and Limitations

Does LifeLock Help with Identity Theft? A 2025 Expert Analysis of Features, Pros, and Limitations

Yes, LifeLock helps reduce identity theft risks through proactive 24/7 monitoring, fraud alerts, expert restoration services, and up to $3 million in insurance coverage (depending on the plan). While it cannot prevent all forms of identity theft, it offers a layered defense and crucial recovery support for victims. Its effectiveness, however, varies by subscription tier,…

Is Identity Theft a Felony or a Misdemeanor? Full Legal Breakdown by State and Federal Law

Is Identity Theft a Felony or a Misdemeanor? Full Legal Breakdown by State and Federal Law

Identity theft is a serious and multifaceted crime that can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on a variety of factors such as jurisdiction, financial loss, number of victims, and the offender’s intent and history. As technology evolves and identity fraud schemes grow more sophisticated, so too do the legal frameworks addressing them….

Dumpster Diving Identity Theft Statistics, Risks, and How to Protect Yourself

Dumpster Diving Identity Theft Statistics, Risks, and How to Protect Yourself

While digital data breaches dominate headlines, one of the oldest identity theft tactics—dumpster diving—continues to fuel a substantial portion of ID fraud cases. By rummaging through discarded trash, thieves uncover a goldmine of personal data that can be used to commit fraud, file false tax returns, and even create synthetic identities. Despite its low-tech nature,…

Phongsavanh Bank Identity Theft Scam, 360° Breakdown of Failures, Fraud, and Customer Impact

Phongsavanh Bank Identity Theft Scam, 360° Breakdown of Failures, Fraud, and Customer Impact

Phongsavanh Bank Ltd—a financial institution based in Laos—has recently drawn intense scrutiny following a surge in identity theft cases tied to its operations. Despite its digital modernization and cross-border partnerships, the bank has become a hotspot for cyber-enabled fraud, exposing systemic weaknesses in cybersecurity, compliance, and consumer protection. This in-depth report merges victim stories, scam…

Dumpster Diving Identity Theft, How Criminals Exploit Your Trash and How to Stop Them

Dumpster Diving Identity Theft, How Criminals Exploit Your Trash and How to Stop Them

Despite advances in digital security, identity thieves are exploiting a surprisingly old-school method to steal sensitive data—by digging through your trash. Known as dumpster diving identity theft, this low-tech yet highly effective tactic allows criminals to gather discarded personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes. Whether it’s a bank statement or an old smartphone, anything…

How Consumers Can Protect Themselves from Identity Theft

How Consumers Can Protect Themselves from Identity Theft

According to the FTC, over 1.1 million identity theft reports were filed in the U.S. alone in 2023. Looking ahead, global losses are projected to exceed $50 billion in 2025, driven by increasingly sophisticated attacks like synthetic fraud, deepfakes, and SIM-swapping. Whether you’re in the United States, Europe, or Asia, identity theft can lead to…