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6 months "free" credit monitoring for veterans (not really)
Posted on Jun 18, 2006 by Tom Fragala
IdentityGuard is offering U.S. veterans six months of free fraud protection (in light of the recent VA data breach we reported here and here). They say they are providing this offer “because we value and appreciate your service to our country.” But, wait, there’s a “*” next to the “free” offer. Well, that’s because it isn’t really free—there is a $4.95 “identity verification and processing fee” which requires a credit card. And the offer ends July 4th. Why is it with credit monitoring and credit reports, there always seems to be an asterisk, a disclaimer? You can read more at fraudprotect.com.
You must also provide IdentityGuard your name, address, social security number, branch of service, and separation date. I wonder, if you’re one of the 26.5 million people effected, would you feel good about providing another third party all this sensitive data? In addition, what happens after the six months of “free” service is over? According to the terms of service, it looks like the burden is on the customer to cancel the service or it continues with a monthly charge to your credit card:
You authorize Intersections to bill your credit card or other account that you have designated each month or year as determined by your order at the then current rate unless you tell Intersections in advance to cancel your order.
And the VA is not providing any free services for those effected. You’re on your own. Read the FAQ here. (By the way, if you are a veteran, even if you have never used VA services, your data was still in the stolen database. Ouch.)
Filed under: Identity Theft
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