 TITLE: Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It? CONTENT: What Are the Benefits of Identity Theft Protection?\n---------------------------------------------------\nWhile monitoring services are reactive rather than preventative, an early warning system can help you quickly take action and respond to identity theft. As a result, you may be able to lock down your accounts and information, which can prevent widespread or ongoing problems. Ideally, you can catch the fraud before any damage is done.\nFor example, you might get an alert that there's a new hard inquiry in your credit report when someone uses your information to apply for a credit card. You can then contact the card issuer and try to shut down the account before the fraudster receives and uses the card.\nIf your identity is compromised, having support with recovery can ease some of the stress involved. Javelin Strategy and Research's 2019 Identity Fraud Study found that 23% of fraud victims had expenses they were unable to have reimbursed in 2018. With this in mind, a protection program that includes identity theft insurance may provide real monetary benefits as well. END