Elderdude
Recycles dryer sheets
Today, I went online to make a transfer from my credit union account into an account at a too-big-to-fail bank. Previously, I never had any trouble performing this transfer using these same two banks. But now, “for my safety,” I am required use a transaction 6 digit code which is only available through two methods. Either I must enable text messaging with my cell phone carrier to receive the code, or make a one time purchase of a card which generates a once per use code with a push of a button. Either method will cost me money. The code-generating card costs $20. I had previously discontinued text capability with my carrier because earlier this year, I suddenly became victim of an onslaught of unsolicited commercial text messages which were charged to my cell phone account.
Per AT&T, the only way to avoid the text charges is to not have the capability. (They did, however, refund the text charges for the previous couple of months.) On Bank of America’s end, they were terribly sorry but only mobile phone texting, (which generates charges to my account,) or the pay-for-it card were available to enable a code for the account transfers. “Couldn’t you send me an email?” “No way, kid, go away, you bother us.”
I ending up physically depositing a hand written credit union check into my B of A account. I had to put on shoes and everything.
My wife and I don’t text, don’t tweet, don’t see much use in any of it. We don’t have kids, and our mothers are in their 90’s. We communicate in person, by phone or email. Those too tiny, phone button generated, vowel-starved, abbreviated daily bowel movement updates seem damned silly.
