ID Alerts is the core monitoring system within the standalone Identity Defender app, designed to bring all your protection tools into a single, unified feed. It continuously monitors and notifies you of suspicious activity that suggests you might be at an increased risk of identity theft.
Beyond tracking your Social Security Number and regularly scanning the dark web for your exposed data, the new ID Alerts system features expanded sensors. Depending on your plan, it now monitors Home and Auto Title records, Court Records, high-risk financial transactions, 401(k) activity, and even includes a Neighbourhood Watch for registered sex offenders. If any suspicious activity or data exposure is detected, you’re alerted right away so you can take immediate action.
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How to get ID Alerts
How to set up ID Alerts
Services included in ID Alerts
How to get ID Alerts
Currently, new and existing ExpressVPN users in the U.S. who purchase an Advanced or Pro subscription have access to ID Alerts. The level of protection scales depending on your tier:
- Advanced Plan: Includes core monitoring (like Dark Web and SSN monitoring), Credit Scanner, monthly Credit Reports, and standard Data Removal and ID Theft Insurance limits.
- Pro Plan: Unlocks the full suite of enhanced monitoring features—including Home Title, Auto Title, and 401(k) alerts—along with higher Data Removal limits and up to $5M USD in ID Theft Insurance (including Cash Recovery for stolen funds).
To get started:
- Go to the Order page and choose an Advanced or Pro ExpressVPN plan.
- Select the button on the plan to proceed.
- Complete your order by entering your email address and payment details. You now have access to ID Alerts, as part of your ExpressVPN subscription.
How to set up and use ID Alerts
You may set up ID Alerts in the Identity Defender mobile apps for iOS and Android. To set up:
- Open the Identity Defender app.
- Tap the Security tab.
- You will be asked to enter your personal information. If you have previously set up an Identity Defender service, you won’t have to re-enter the same information.
- Select Continue.
- “Scanning” will appear on the screen.
- After scanning is complete, you will see a summary of your scanned ID elements and a breakdown of all your Monitored Information.
- Tap the dropdown Dashboard at the top and select Alerts.
- Here, you can review any active alerts (like Dark web monitoring alerts) and tap the Review or Update Monitored Information button to take immediate action.
Update your information
When you first enroll, we ask for basic information like your email and address to get started. However, you can significantly enhance your protection by adding more personal details (like your passport, driver’s license, and financial accounts) to your monitoring profile later.
To adjust the information that ID Alerts monitors:
- Open the Identity Defender app.
- Tap the Security tab.
- On the Dashboard screen, tap See Monitored Information.
- Add or remove information.
Services included in ID Alerts
Dark Web Monitoring
Scans the dark web for your personal data—such as emails, passwords, financial details, or identity documents—has been exposed. You will be notified when new risks are found, so you can take action to protect yourself.
To add information for Identity Defender to scan for and monitor:
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap Dark web.
From here, you can add the following information:
- Addresses (up to 10)
- Bank accounts (up to 20)
- Business licence (1 only)
- Credit and debit cards (up to 10)
- Crypto wallets (up to 10)
- Dates of birth (1 only)
- Driver’s licence (up to 10)
- Email addresses (up to 10)
- Gamertags (up to 10)
- Medical IDs (up to 10)
- Mother’s maiden name (1 only)
- Your name (1 only)
- National Provider Identity (NPI) number (1 only)
- Passports (up to 10)
- Phone numbers (up to 10)
- Social Security Number / ITIN (1 only)
- Usernames (up to 10)
To add any of the information mentioned above:
- Scroll down to the section you want to add information for.
- Tap Add… (For example, Add driver’s license)
- Fill in the information, then tap Add.
Change of Address Monitoring
Tracks unauthorized address changes that could indicate identity fraud or mail redirection scams. Alerts you if their address is updated without your knowledge, helping prevent missed bills, stolen mail, or account takeovers.
To add addresses to monitor:
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap Address.
- Tap Add Address.
- Fill in your address information, then tap Add.
SSN Monitoring
Alerts you when your social security number (SSN) is used for loans, payments, employment, and other such activities.
To add SSNs to monitor:
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap SSN.
- Tap Add SSN.
- Fill in your SSN information, then tap Add.
Home Title Monitoring
Continuously monitors home title and public property records to detect potential unauthorized changes. Sends timely alerts to help you take action and protect your property from title fraud, where criminals attempt to transfer or leverage property ownership without your consent.
Note on activation: To use this service, you must provide your first name, last name, date of birth, home address, and Social Security Number (SSN). If you provided your basic details during the initial setup, you will only be prompted to add your SSN and phone number. If you have already provided all this information, no further action is needed.
Auto Title Monitoring
Continuously monitors vehicle title records and promptly alerts you to any changes, enabling early detection of suspicious activity and protection against identity theft and unauthorized transactions. Criminals can exploit vehicle title systems to transfer ownership without your knowledge, take out loans using a vehicle they don’t own (auto title fraud), and create legal disputes or financial liability for the victim.
Note on activation: To use this service, you must provide your first name, last name, date of birth, home address, and Social Security Number (SSN). If you provided your basic details during the initial setup, you will only be prompted to add your SSN and phone number. If you have already provided all this information, no further action is needed.
Neighbourhood Watch
Notifies you if registered sex offenders move into your neighbourhood. It’s designed to improve situational awareness, as well as support personal and family safety.
To search your neighbourhood for potential sex offenders:
- Open the Identity Defender app.
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap Neighborhood.
- Under Search, enter an address.
- Select the search radius.
You can also add alerts so you are notified whenever a new registered sex offender is in your neighbourhood. To do so:
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap Neighborhood.
- Under Search, enter an address.
- Select the search radius.
- Tap Add Alert.
Courts Record Monitoring
Provides proactive monitoring of public court and judicial records for activity linked to your identity. Sends timely alerts to help you detect potential misuse and take action to safeguard yourself against identity fraud and unauthorized legal activity.
Note on activation: To use this service, you must provide your first name, last name, date of birth, home address, and Social Security Number (SSN). If you provided your basic details during the initial setup, you will only be prompted to add your SSN and phone number. If you have already provided all this information, no further action is needed.
High-Risk Transaction Monitoring
Detects unusually large or suspicious financial transactions associated with your identity. Helps surface early warning signs of fraud or account compromise.
To add financial accounts for Identity Defender to monitor:
- Tap the Security tab.
- Tap the dropdown menu.
- Tap Financial.
- Under Monitored Accounts, tap Add Financial Account.
- Follow the instructions.
401(k) Alerts
Monitors retirement account activity for unusual changes, withdrawals, or access attempts. Alerts you to potential retirement account fraud, which is often overlooked but highly damaging.