Why do companies refuse to send statements over email?

Question

Companies today are all hot to trot about electronic statements, trying to convince us that they are superior to paper statements, but being someone who archives statements, somehow, having to drop everything, find the web site, log in, navigate to the statement, download it (assuming they offer a download option, otherwise it's an ugly save), and figure out where to save it is a lot more effort than rip it open, toss it on the coffeetable, and eventually add it to my file.

The problem would be solved if they just emailed the darn thing to me. Then it would be automatically archived for me and my effort would be greatly reduced. But no one wants to do this. Why? I have some theories but nothing firm. Perhaps since email is not authenticated they don't want people trusting it. But they they still use it, so that's a contradiction. Perhaps it's privacy; but email is supposed to be private, and why not give me that option? Anyone have any better ideas?

I had a company once who came up with this nifty self-encrypting statement they would send you as an attachment. You entered some obvious and fixed personal information when you opened it, and there you were. Alas, they only did this for a couple of months. Never knew why they discontinued it but I liked the idea.

Answer 1

E-mail is anything but secure. There are literally hundreds of logistical issues with e-mailing stuff like that:

- If it's on their website, they can be sure that the information you're getting is coming from them, not from some random person who is looking to scam you.
- If they have the wrong e-mail address on file for you or if your address changes without them being notified, they could be sending your account information to someone else.
- E-mail is sent through non-secure means. You wouldn't give out your credit card number over a non-secure server, and likewise, these companies aren't willing to divulge your account information in the same way.

Answer 2

Security. Pure and simple. Not all e-mail addresses are secure, and often change. I do agree that it would be easier, I would love it. And I also think that if one elects to use that option, they should in turn be waivering their security rights.. it's their choice.
The closest thing I personally have to the e-mail statement is my Verizon Wireless bill. They e-mail me when my statement is available online and provide me with a direct link that already has my user info entered. I enter my password and voila! there's my statement, in PDF.
I wish more companies did that!
I think if we sit tight for a couple more years, it will happen. They'll find a way to make it more secure. I hope!!
Sorry, this isn't really an "answer"!

Answer 3

No, you've been no longer incorrect. They provided themselves in a fashion that did not charm to you, and so lost their probability to be perfect for you. it fairly is now employer works. There must be some different person on your section who can do a similar form of work? I possibly does no longer have emailed them, yet perchance understanding why their ad regarded irrelevant to you'll compel them to regulate the classified ads. or perchance they don't care, will percentage and gripe your e mail with each and every person of their church, and ignore it. in the adventure that they are so gun-ho about littering their classified ads with Christian symbols, they could be looking for like-minded shoppers and does no longer want your money besides. it fairly is the impact i'd are transforming into from seeing an ad like that.