The protections identity theft services offer may be more limited than you think

There are a variety of ads on TV warning about the dangers of the “dark web” and urging you to sign up for identity theft services. Several show shadowy figures at computers in darkened rooms, presumably harvesting your personal information for their criminal use.

36% of consumers who’ve seen identity theft ads think that identity theft services can remove their info from the dark web—a part of the internet that can be accessed only with special software—according to a recent survey from the Consumer Federation of America. 37% think that these services can prevent people who buy their personal information on the dark web from using it. But identity theft services, which usually cost $10 to $30 a month, can do neither of those things.

Read more about what identity services can and can’t do for you and your company