You can also call the credit agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) and request a free credit report. This is not the same as your credit score. Two different things. Phone numbers can be found on their website. If I remember correctly, the system is automated and I got the reports in about a week or so.

My opinion only, but those companies that monitor your credit are a waste of money. The damage could already be done by the time they notify you. I subscribed to one for a while where they stated they would notify me (via email or text message) within 1 to 2 business days if there was any change or new activity on my credit file. I applied for a new credit card and it took over two weeks before I received notification of new activity.

There are a few companies that take a much more proactive approach to protecting your identity. Basically they put a "fraud alert" on your credit file, which means your file is locked so no one can get credit in your name unless you go through an authentication process. Nothing you can't do by yourself, but their service keeps things simple and their fees are minimal. It can be kind of a pain at times like when trying to get new cell phone service, applying for a car loan, etc. But if it's a pain for me, it's probably a pain for the identity thief. Most likely they will give up and move on to an easier target. I'll put up with a little inconvenience for piece of mind.