US Patent 9235841 Transaction security apparatus and method

An apparatus, including an input device or receiver for inputting or receiving transaction information regarding a transaction on or involving an account and involving an individual, a camera for obtaining a photograph or a picture of the individual, a processing device for processing information regarding the transaction and or generating a notification message containing information regarding the transaction, and a transmitter for transmitting the notification message to a communication device associated with an individual account holder. The notification message is transmitted to the communication device independently of any processing of the transaction by a transaction authorization processing computer. The apparatus transmits the photograph or the picture to the communication device independently of any processing of the transaction by a transaction authorization processing computer.