We had another incident recently that had us wondering further about identity theft: We use Microsoft Money to track our expenses and I use it to make electronic payments. Last week I attempted to make a payment only to be told that our PIN was no longer valid. When I called to ask what had happened the bank representative said I or someone else had entered a invalid PIN more than 6 times. That locks the account and the only way to get to it is to reset the PIN. The representative said it would take 3 or 4 days to get the new PIN. I was to use the new PIN to access my account and the first thing I should do was to change my PIN.
The very next day I got a new PIN in the mail. I called, What was going on. How could I have asked for this PIN? I called again. No, this PIN wouldn't help. No, don't try to use it as the latest reset overruled this one. Still no idea who tried to break into our account in the first place. Three days later got another PIN. I used it to access the bank account but it didn't ask me to change the PIN. Called up the bank immediately.
After working with the bank rep for ten minutes or so, he asked the version Microsoft Money I was using. Embarrassed, I had to admit we were still using Version 2002. The rep said they only connected with versions 2007 and above. I thought for sure I was on my own then but the agent stayed with me as we together tried various commands. It turned out to be on a sub-menu one that started this whole mess. I was feeling pretty good that we finally got it working. I was able to download all my checks and deposits for the past week. Another potential disaster averted.
Do you think I need to upgrade to Money 2010?
Maybe, did the bank seem to think that version was more secure?
ReplyDeleteNo, the bank just seemed puzzled that anyone would have such OLD software that they were incapable of supporting. I don't think anyone has made the claim that the newer versions are more secure.
ReplyDeleteHaving people break in to your own data is scary, whether on the retail/commercial side or your side. We won't do banking online, we won't even look at our brokerage accounts online. We figure if we never do it, it will be less likely to be looked at by others, and if it is we will have more of a defense that we were not the ones initiating any activity on that account. We used Quicken long ago, but when we got a new PC it would not transfer. The newer versions won't let us put our info in without giving brokerage names and account numbers! They take the daily readings from the brokerage house instead of off the web, and charge fees. As a pharmacist I like electronic medical records/prescriptions. As a patient I am somewhat worried that hackers could get in and change those records! Call me prehistoric.
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