Identity theft is a serious problem that’s only getting worse. But don’t worry. Discover’s new Social Security number alerts has got you covered. If you’re a cardholder, the issuer will scour the dark web for the illegal use of your Social Security number.
Discover’s free identity theft protections also include the daily monitoring of Experian credit reports. If new credit cards, mortgages, car loans or any other credit lines have been added to your name, they will notify you immediately.
That level of security is hard to beat and isn’t offered for free by any other card company.
How Does Discover’s Identity Theft Protection Work?
Before introducing the new Social Security number fraud alerts, Discover offered standard security protections. The issuer kept track of your credit card account, looking for any suspicious activity. If there were unexpected charges or logins, they would notify you.
Discover Social Security alerts monitors the dark web to make sure your Social Security number doesn’t appear there to help you fight identity theft.
This new fraud protection actively looks for potentially fraudulent use of your Social Security number.
As part of its Identity Alerts program, Discover monitors thousands of websites that are known for illegal activities, including the buying, selling and trading of Social Security numbers. Thieves use these sites to obtain information so they can open credit lines and steal from unsuspecting consumers.
This illegal activity takes place on the so-called dark web, a hidden part of the internet.
The card company will contact you immediately if they find your Social Security number on a risky website. They’ll even guide you through the steps to help prevent any further fraudulent behavior.
Two Important Details About This Identity Theft Coverage
First, it’s absolutely free. That makes the idea of getting a Discover card more appealing, even if it’s just for the peace of mind of knowing that your Social Security number is being monitored.
Second, be sure to sign up for the Social Security number alerts once you receive your card.
How to Enroll and Get Protection
You can register for the service on the Discover Alerts page. Just log into your Discover account and give permission for the extra monitoring. You will be asked to verify your email address. You can opt to receive your alerts by email or text.
The added fraud protections will begin immediately. There’s no need to worry about your credit score taking a hit either. This added security won’t affect your score, and there won’t be a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Will Identity Theft Protection Help?
A Social Security number is the key piece of information a thief needs in order to open illegal lines of credit. So, protecting that number is the single most important thing you can do to prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened under your name.
That’s why Discover’s new Social Security number alerts are so important and effective. Discover’s decision to help protect its customers by monitoring the websites where numbers are bought and traded is a smart one. You may think your Social Security number is secure, but you’d be surprised how easily thieves can obtain that info through various sources.
Someone can get your Social Security number and other personal information by:
- stealing physical items, such as mail, wallets, purses, cell phones and even trash
- hacking a company’s computer system or from your own computer if you have a virus or other malware
- collecting information from social networks, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or from other websites, such as retailers, that may have your personal data
- contacting you directly via phone or email and trying to get you to divulge important info through various phishing schemes
If your Social Security number somehow gets past Discover’s initial line of monitoring and falls into the wrong hands, Discover’s still got your back.
They’ll keep a close on your Experian credit report, checking it daily. Whenever a new line of credit is opened in your name they’ll notify you immediately.
Best Discover Cashback Card That Come With Social Security Number Alerts
All of the major Discover cards come with the new identity theft protection, even the secured and student cards. That means you can get the excellent Discover it or Discover it Miles cards, start earning great rewards and increase your fraud protection.
For cashback fans, the standard Discover it card has fantastic earning potential. You get 5 percent back in rotating categories every quarter, including gas stations, wholesale clubs, grocery stores, restaurants and more. All other purchases earn 1 percent back.
Also, the first year you’re a cardholder, Discover’s Cashback Match will double the rewards you’ve earned. That means you’ll be effectively earning 10 percent back in bonus categories and 2 percent back for everything else for the first 12 months. That’s unparalleled earning ability.
Best Discover Travel Cards with Social Security Number Alerts
If you’re more of a traveler, then the Discover it Miles card is designed for you. Instead of earning cash back, you’ll get miles that can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel purchases.
This card doesn’t come with rotating bonus categories, but it does give you 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend. It also has a miles match at the end of your first year as a cardholder, so you’ll effectively earn three miles per dollar.
Conclusion
There’s no cost to get Social Security number alerts and there is no annual fee on these cards. Before Discover started offering its improved fraud protection, you had to pay a third party or another credit card issuer for similar coverage. But now it’s free.
Whichever card you choose, it’s time to step up your identity theft security and start earning great rewards with a new Discover card.