Someone to watch over me

A poll by RSA Security reports that more than 90 percent of American bank customers would like those banks to scrutinize incoming transactions for potential fraud, and 60 percent would like to be notified when something looks suspicious.

For what it's worth, I spoke to a MasterCard issuer this weekend, after they reported they'd spotted what they considered to be anomalies. They thought it was odd that someone would be paying for two ISPs; I explained my belt-and-suspenders approach to keeping myself online. And they found a transaction for $1 with the wrong expiration date, about which I knew nothing, and which they had duly declined. The bank suggested that, if I had concerns, they would cancel the account and send me a new card; after being assured that my reward points would remain intact, I agreed.

This is the second time I've canceled a card for security reasons. The first was five years ago, in connection with a hacking incident at the Web host I was using at the time.

I admit to a certain amount of "What do you care what I spend my money on?" But under the circumstances, I think the bank did the Right Thing in bringing their concerns to my attention, and I suspect the respondents to RSA's poll would agree.

(Via The Consumerist.)

Posted at 9:00 AM to Common Cents