ID protection can be do-it-yourself

So if you want to put the job in someone else's hands, make your choice based on cost

Looking at a chronology of data breaches compiled by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, it seems you can't even go a week without significant numbers of people having their identifying information stolen.

In fact, nearly 28 million people were victims of identity theft between 2005 and 2007, according to a nationwide survey by Javelin Strategy and Research, a consultancy firm for the financial services and payment industries. The constant news of data losses and the heightened awareness of victimization have fueled a growing industry built around monitoring individuals' credit.

So we took a look at what some of these services offer, what they charge, and whether there is a value for consumers to use them. Among the biggest firms offering credit monitoring services are LifeLock, Debix (LoudSiren), Intersections (Identity Guard), and Trusted ID. The services also are sold by the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

Beth Givens, director of the education and advocacy group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, doesn't see great value in the credit monitoring services scrambling to get your attention. In fact, she says much of what they offer is available to consumers at no charge.

However, what they do provide is policing of your credit reports and regular communication with the credit bureaus.

But is it worth the money? Givens said, for the most part, the answer is no. LifeLock, perhaps the most popular of the services - boosted by an ad campaign featuring the chief executive offering his Social Security number - serves as an example of why not, she said. (Someone took out a payday loan in Texas using LifeLock's CEO's Social Security number, but the company says the loan didn't affect his credit and the service still works because it keeps people from accessing your credit report.)

For $120 a year per adult, LifeLock offers to put fraud alerts on your accounts, limit your junk mail, and provide your credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting agencies.

"They're not offering anything you can't do yourself," Givens said.

Many credit protection companies, including LifeLock, tantalize consumers with the notion of having a $1 million policy protecting their losses - and being there to help when you need them. While some identity theft losses can be significant, mostly the cost is in the time and energy spent to repair the damage. Credit card losses due to identity theft are limited to $50 - and even that is rarely charged.

For senior citizens, in particular, there are inexpensive or free actions they can take themselves to prevent identity theft. Any senior - or anyone not normally subject to a credit check - should put a freeze on their credit report ($5 each to the three reporting agencies), Givens said. That would prevent anyone from getting credit in their names.

Givens's group, at www.privacyrights.org, and government agencies including the Federal Trade Commission, also offer considerable resources on identity theft.

Still, if you use credit a lot - and especially if you believe you're a potential target for ID theft - one service stands out. The Globe's pick, LoudSiren by Debix, charges $24 a year per adult and $40 for a couple. For a fraction of competitors' prices, Debix also offers an innovative telephone verification system anytime someone tries to access your credit.

The service also has been the choice of several government agencies to provide credit monitoring for people whose personal information was accessed in recent breaches.

LOUDSIREN BY DEBIX
Cost: $24 a year per adult
Pros: It is by far the least expensive service. You will be called on any of three phone numbers anytime your credit is accessed.
Cons: It still is unnecessary for most people.
Final Word: In this case, cheaper is better. If you're going to use credit monitoring, the price makes it a reasonable choice.

TRUSTED ID
Cost: $120 a year per person
Pros: The company says it scans black market websites to see whether anyone is marketing your credit card numbers.
Cons: Like many of its competitors, much of what Trusted ID offers you can do yourself, at little or no cost.
Final word: It's your money. Spend it if you must.

IDENTITY GUARD
Cost: $180 a year per person
Pros: Scans all three credit bureaus for activity on your accounts. Offers an identity theft recovery team to help if you become a victim.
Cons: It's expensive and not really worth the investment for the vast majority of people.
Final word: Too expensive.

LIFELOCK
Cost: $120 a year per person
Pros:Just as its competitors do, LifeLock will do things you could do yourself. It claims to help restore credit damaged by identity theft.
Cons: Little value for the investment.
Final word: This company advertises everywhere. That doesn't mean it's worth using.