Credit Monitoring Services
Identity theft has become a common threat to all credit card holders. And when identity theft occurs, the victim is often unaware. Most often, it takes a long time for the victim to realize that sensitive information has been stolen and misused. As a result, the billing statements are bound to give a shock to the credit card holder whose security has been compromised.
It is in such a scenario that Credit Monitoring may be of immense help. Credit monitoring services help in early detection of theft. It can alert you on suspicious changes in your account. While the extensive use of credit cards has contributed to a rise in the number of identity theft incidents, the need for credit monitoring services has also increased.
Credit monitoring services are accompanied by a fee, depending upon what is to be monitored. While these services are highly beneficial, they can be easily misunderstood. Hence, before opting for a credit monitoring service, it is important to know what the service can do and what it can’t.
The Scope of Credit Monitoring Services
When you sign up for a credit monitoring service, you should remember that even by opting for this service, you are not completely safe from identity theft. The service cannot prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft, and your information can still be misused. While credit monitoring is not foolproof, it can help by alerting you of any suspicious activities on your account.
Likewise, although the service cannot prevent theft from happening, it can be very useful in minimizing the damages that may occur as a result of the identity theft. Without a credit monitoring service, a credit card holder does not have a way to be informed of fraudulent activities until the debt collectors start calling.
Some credit monitoring services also offer identity theft insurance. If your identity is stolen while you are using the service, you are covered for the losses incurred. While the specific details of the service may vary, it is better to check your options to find the one that suits you best.
If you are one of those trying to manage your debts wisely, you should opt for this service. Because, although you might have an effective debt management plan, identity thefts can ruin your pay plan debt management completely. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.