BSL Requires My Mobile Device Number Or Else

by Not Signed In | Questions & Answers | 1848 Views

Today my online banking site told me I had just three chances to give them my mobile device or I would be cut off from electronic access to my funds. What the HECK?? Is this happening to other people at other banks?

I will pull my money out if they insist. This is the message I get:
“You are required to provide your mobile device phone number below. If you do not complete this requirement within the maximum number of opportunities allowed by your financial institution (3), your log in will be blocked. If you are prompted for text authentication, your screen will display a button to send a passcode to your device and an entry field into which the code must be typed. Once authentication has been completed, the transaction will process.”

I wrote to them and asked, What if I don’t HAVE a mobile device? What on earth do you need this information for. It is an invasion of my privacy.

I am really really ticked off. This is all BS. Security my ass.

Comments | 5

  • Submitted by Tego on November 10, 2015 at 10:06 am

    Update

    Hey, it’s Tego. I forgot to sign in before making my original post in a huff. By the time I got into Brattleboro to talk to the people at BSL this morning, they had already taken down the above notice, which, by the way, ALSO required clients to name their mobile device’s service provider. Which is NONE of the bank’s business.
    I was reminded of the bravery of Peter Diamondstone, the Brattleboro lawyer and perennial candidate for office, who famously refused to give police his proof of insurance card when stopped because the insurance card is the proof of a private contract between an individual and his insurance company. The same principle holds here.

    Ms. Young in customer relations said the offensive web page was meant to add security to inter-bank transfers, because money had been going into fraudulent accounts. I suggested that BSL find an alternate way to add security. She also said the client can make a phone call to the bank instead of providing the information. When they eventually put the warning back up, it will also have a “SKIP” button, she said.
    This is still a pain to me — and perhaps to many others in the West River Valley — because I get no phone service where I live and would have to get in my car and drive four miles uphill or to the next town south to make a call, and what if I were out of the country, the time when I need and use inter-bank transfer services the most?

    I hope they work this out without requiring more personal information than they already have. BSL is my favorite bank, I love all their services, but this last requirement would have been a deal-breaker for me. I was ready to start interviewing other banks today, despite the trouble and time it would have cost me to switch banks.

    • Submitted by BrandieStarr on November 10, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Thanks for saying we are your

      Thanks for saying we are your favorite bank! 🙂 and as far as adding other security, no worries are needed there, we have many other levels of security already in place. This is just an optional service that we have had several requests for, and are now able to offer. Again, feel free to reach out if needed, and the next time you see that message, you should be able to skip right past it!
      Brandie

  • Submitted by BrandieStarr on November 10, 2015 at 10:16 am

    Reply from BS&L

    Hi there, I am so sorry this happened, the phone verification message has been turned off until it functions properly, meaning until it gives an option to “skip” if you do not wish to register your phone. We are excited about this feature, because it allows us to send text alerts to your phone if we detect suspicious activity on your account, and the service is completely optional. I am sorry for the inconvenience and the stress, that was certainly not our goal! If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me directly!
    Brandie Starr
    Executive Assistant to the CEO
    275.3985
    bstarr@brattbank.com

    • Submitted by Tego on November 10, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Thanks for your reply and responsive ACTION

      Thanks. It is a relief to know the service will be optional in the future and that I will be able to access and manage my account wherever I am.

      Great things about BSL:
      Free use of their meeting room for local events and non-profits;
      No ATM fees! They reimburse you monthly if you meet certain criteria;
      Homegrown and right on Main Street.

  • Submitted by Geo A Vt on November 11, 2015 at 4:18 am

    More banks should require two-factor identification

    While BS&L’s implementation is unwise to take into account the spotty coverage in our rural, mountain state, best security practices absolutely call on them to require two factor identification for online access, and especially for the kinds of transactions you’re describing. In fact, customers should be asking banks and other service providers to make two factor identification available. Tokens like big corporations use might be too expensive for a small bank to offer, but maybe they could allow customers to use Google’s authenticator app — doesn’t require cell service, but does require a smartphone, tablet, or iPod.

    They’re not invading your privacy; they’re trying to safeguard your and their money.

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