Protecting me from myself.

I love my bank. Maybe not as much since they have "upgraded" the online banking log-in security.

A few weeks ago, when I logged into my online banking page, I was asked to provide answers to 5 questions. Some of the questions were silly, others pretty standard (mother's maiden name, first pet's name, etc). I answered them all and was allowed to continue on to my account info page.

A few days before Christmas, I logged on to check my account balance and scanned for any suspect transactions, but haven't logged on since then....until last night. After I typed my user name and password, I was redirected to a "security challenge" page and was asked one of the questions which I answered previously. The question was "What is your favorite candy?" Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm not much of a candy eater and I certainly don't have a favorite. So, when asked that question at nearly 11pm, I was bamboozled. Hmmm, let's see...was it Reeses Pieces? Nope. Snickers? Nope. Almond Joy? Nope! "ACCESS DENIED: contact our customer service representative at this number". Oh-fer-godsakes!!

So I call my bank and immediately go into the hold-music-hell. 10 minutes later a woman picks up. I explain my situation and she asks me "the amount of my last deposit?". Well, my paycheck is direct-deposited and the I can't remember if I sent the Microsoft Rebate check before payday or after. Another strike out. "The amount of your most recent checkcard transaction?" she asks. Easy, I thought...I just paid for dinner using my card....$15.50, I answered. "Can you think of any other recent transactions, sir?" Well, I have been spending the cash I took out prior to Xmas and using giftcards, so I have no idea. And if someone stole my checkcard or my wallet, wouldn't they know where my last debit card transaction was anyway? Finally, she lets me off the hook and asks "What is your mother's maiden name?".

She then reset my password and I had to answer the 5 questions again. Finally!

By the way, now my favorite candy is Almond Joy ( hopefully I'll remember).