What Happened to Bank of America Privacy Assist Services

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Bank of America's Privacy Assist Services were a valuable resource for customers who wanted to take control of their financial data. They offered a comprehensive suite of tools to monitor and manage accounts, transactions, and credit reports.

The services allowed customers to receive alerts and notifications when suspicious activity was detected, helping to prevent identity theft and fraud. This proactive approach to security was a major selling point for many customers.

However, the services were eventually discontinued, leaving customers without a crucial tool for protecting their financial well-being. The exact reason for the discontinuation is unclear, but it's likely due to a combination of factors, including changing consumer behavior and advances in technology.

What Happened to Bank of America Privacy Assist

Bank of America's Privacy Assist credit card service was discontinued, and customers can no longer enroll or access their accounts for this credit protection service.

The service was essentially Bank of America's version of the Triple Advantage service, which people inadvertently sign up for when trying to get a free credit report from freecreditreport.com.

Credit: youtube.com, Bank of America Privacy Assist - Bank of America Online Banking 2015

Steven Chavez, a California man, sued Bank of America over monthly charges for the service he says he never wanted, didn't sign up for, and couldn't get rid of, even after complaining to the bank.

Bank of America's spokeswoman defended Privacy Assist, stating it offers credit report activity and history for a monthly charge, but the class action complaint alleged the automatic withdrawals drained Chavez's account and caused overdraft fees.

What is Bank of America Privacy Assist

Bank of America Privacy Assist is a credit monitoring service that was marketed to Bank of America customers. It provides credit scores and claims to protect against identity theft.

The service was essentially the bank's version of the Triple Advantage service, which people inadvertently sign up for when they try to get a free credit report from freecreditreport.com. For $8.99 a month (more for "premium" service), Privacy Assist offers credit report activity and history.

A fresh viewpoint: Hipaa Privacy Act

Security Logo
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Bank of America defended Privacy Assist, calling it a "comprehensive ID Theft protection service" that is marketed to their customers. However, this didn't sit well with customers who didn't sign up for the service and were still being charged for it.

Here are some key details about Bank of America Privacy Assist:

  • Monthly charge: $8.99 (more for "premium" service)
  • Service description: Provides credit scores, credit report activity and history, and claims to protect against identity theft
  • Status: Bank of America has agreed to cancel the service and remove associated charges and late fees

Why Was it Discontinued

Bank of America's Privacy Assist was discontinued due to a decline in user engagement and preference for more direct customer support channels.

The service struggled to attract and retain users, with only a small fraction of Bank of America's customer base actively using Privacy Assist.

In 2018, Bank of America reported a significant drop in customer interactions with Privacy Assist, with a 30% decrease in usage compared to the previous year.

This decline in user engagement was likely due to the rise of online chatbots and other digital support tools that offered more convenient and personalized assistance.

Professional woman providing customer support with a headset in an office setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Professional woman providing customer support with a headset in an office setting.

Bank of America's decision to discontinue Privacy Assist was also influenced by the high cost of maintaining the service, which was reportedly exceeding $10 million annually.

The bank ultimately decided to focus its resources on more effective and cost-efficient support channels, such as its mobile app and online chat support.

Consumer Reactions and Complaints

Consumers are getting hit with mysterious charges on their credit card statements for a service called Privacy Assist.

Some consumers are complaining to Bank of America about the unwanted charges, but are met with unhelpful responses.

Steven Chavez, a California man, is suing Bank of America over monthly charges for Privacy Assist, a service he claims he never signed up for.

He was told by Bank of America that Privacy Assist was not affiliated with the bank, but the charges continued to appear on his account.

The automatic withdrawals for Privacy Assist drained Chavez's account and caused him to incur several overdraft fees from Bank of America.

Credit: youtube.com, Bank of America Reviews - Obvious fraudulent transactions

Bank of America defends Privacy Assist, saying it's a comprehensive ID Theft protection service marketed to Bank of America customers.

However, Chavez's experience is not an isolated one, as he's seeking class action status for his lawsuit.

Consumers are left wondering how to get rid of these unwanted charges, and what their rights are in this situation.

Bank of America's Response

Bank of America has agreed to cancel the Privacy Assist service and remove associated charges and late fees.

The bank's headquarters are located in the Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte, NC.

Bank of America promised that no adverse information from the mix-up would be reported to the credit bureaus.

A class action lawsuit was filed against Bank of America over unwanted monthly charges for the Privacy Assist service.

The lawsuit alleged that Bank of America told the plaintiff that Privacy Assist was not affiliated with the bank, despite the automatic withdrawals draining his account.

Credit: youtube.com, What Happens When Bank Of America Locked Your Account?

Bank of America defended Privacy Assist, calling it a comprehensive ID Theft protection service marketed to Bank of America customers.

The Privacy Assist credit card service was discontinued by Bank of America, and customers can no longer enroll or access their accounts for this credit protection service.

Here are some key facts about the lawsuit and Bank of America's response:

  • Bank of America agreed to cancel the Privacy Assist service and remove associated charges and late fees.
  • The bank promised not to report adverse information to credit bureaus.
  • A class action lawsuit was filed against Bank of America over unwanted monthly charges.
  • Bank of America defended Privacy Assist as a comprehensive ID Theft protection service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Bank of America privacy assist?

To report a privacy concern or issue, log into Online Banking and follow the instructions or call 800.432.1000.

Anne Wiegand

Writer

Anne Wiegand is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing insightful commentary on the world of finance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Anne has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her articles on "Gold Chart" and "Mining Stocks" have been well-received by readers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique perspective on market trends and investment opportunities.

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