# Sony's free ID theft protection?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sonys-free-id-theft-protection/583437>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [May 27, 2011, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sonys-free-id-theft-protection/583437 "2011-05-27T15:46:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2011, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sonys-free-id-theft-protection/583437/1 "2011-05-27T15:46:31Z")

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After their much-publicized data breach, Sony is now offering a free year of ID theft monitoring. I’m wondering if this will be worth the trouble, I would think that the the ID theft protection company will ask me for all sorts of info including SSN, and it might be hard to cancel at the end of the year.

Now that Sony’s network is back up I can see that they have my first initial, last name, real mailing address, fake birthdate, and a Discover card number that I don’t keep a balance on.

This is the e-mail Sony sent:

> [@](#):
>
> AllClear ID powered by Debix
> 
> Identity Theft Protection Offer for PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ Customers
> 
> Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment have made arrangements with Debix to offer AllClear ID PLUS to eligible PlayStation®Network and Qriocity account holders in the United States who are concerned about identity theft.
> 
> AllClear ID PLUS is a premium identity protection service that uses advanced technology to deliver alerts to help protect you from identity theft. The service also provides identity theft insurance coverage and hands-on help from expert fraud investigators.
> 
> Sony has arranged, at no charge to eligible PlayStation®Network and Qriocity account holders, for twelve months of this service to be provided by Debix to those who choose to enroll. In order to be eligible, account holders must be residents of the United States with active accounts as of April 20, 2011.
> 
> If interested, please submit your email address by June 28, 2011, at 11:59:59 PM CST at: [PlayStation® Official Site: Consoles, Games, Accessories & More](http://us.playstation.com/news/consumeralerts/identity-theft-protection).
> 
> Please note, you must enter the same email address used to register your PlayStation®Network or Qriocity account. Once your email address is validated, you will be sent your AllClear ID PLUS activation code.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Sony Computer Entertainment & Sony Network Entertainment