Last week, I logged into my Bank of America accounts—checking, personal credit card, business credit card—and the bank used a pop-up screen to gain my permission for proactive fraud alerts (see screenshot below). I’ve been a mobile user for seven years, so it wasn’t like they needed my mobile phone number. And as far as I know, I’d already selected all the available fraud alerts. So it seems that the bank is looking to get more specific permission, and perhaps uptake, to its proactive security communications.

Customers have a chance to choose text message alerts and/or phone calls. Then there is the usual T&C (terms & conditions) to agree to, and that’s that. It took all of 30 seconds and made me feel like Bank of America was watching out for me. So, if this makes the bank’s lawyers happy, it’s a win-win.