Transaction security apparatus and method

An apparatus, comprising:

• an input device or a receiver for inputting or for receiving transaction information regarding a transaction on or involving an account and involving an individual;
• a camera for obtaining a photograph of the individual, wherein the apparatus stores the photograph as a digital photograph file, wherein the camera is located at the same location as the input device or the receiver or at a location remote from the input device or the receiver;
• a processing device for processing the transaction information, wherein the processing device processes information regarding the transaction and generates a message, wherein the message contains information regarding the transaction, and further wherein the message contains the digital photograph file;
• and
• a transmitter, wherein the transmitter transmits the message to a communication device associated with an individual account holder, wherein the message is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, the Internet, the World Wide Web, or a wireless communication network, and further wherein the message is transmitted to the communication device independently of any processing of the transaction by a transaction authorization processing computer.