Any consumers who are concerned that they may fall victim to identity theft may be looking into services that claim to help protect their personal data. However, some of these services may exaggerate their claims, or intentionally mislead their potential customers.

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has issued a list of questions consumers should ask before they enlist the help of one of these services.

If a service claims that it can provide complete and total protection from ID theft, the CFA advises consumers to steer clear. No company can give full protection, and a trustworthy company will never imply that it can.

Next, ask if the service is using scare tactics, such as exaggerating the likelihood of you becoming a victim of ID theft. If they do, then they are likely not a trustworthy company, and you should steer clear of their services.

If a company does not have a clear or transparent privacy policy, or if they ask for payment information before listing exact prices, then consumers should move on. A good service will make all prices and terms clear and straightforward.

While a ID theft protection service may be an option for some, there are preventative measures one can take to ward off cyber crime. When shopping online, use a secure payment company to protect your personal information.