I had the same idea once (well in my head) and it would work, if peoiple remember both codes.
That's my only worry.
Tommy

Same like Tommy, just make sure the second code is easy/easier to remember.
And I think that if something like this would excist it would already stop many criminals from stealing bank cards, because they would never know if it's the real code or not.
Good idea.

Maybe the pincode backwards would work:
If itt would still give you the money in onder not to alart the thieves but at the same time trigger an alarm...
Tommy

Sorry:
Maybe the pincode backwards would work:
If it would still give you the money in order not to alert the thieves but at the same time trigger an alarm...
Tommy

Hi,

What will happen when "ATM Muggers" find out that their "Target" may in all probability have 2 Pins ? and one of these Pins is designed to "both fool them and perhaps even get them Jail time ?

Banks normally advertise this sort of thing to all of their clients.

I think that you may need a "Plan B"

I received an email a while back saying that if you put in your pin code backwards that it would allow you to still withdraw money, but alert the cops to the situation. It said that it worked with alll major banks... I didn't think it was true, but the idea is out there.

I think it is a good idea except for the fact that CH as no way to make it happen. What you could do is call up the manager at your bank branch and talk to them to try and get in touch with one of the bank decision making authority's on this type of thing.

alright idea but it's pretty simple. i don't know if the ends would be worth the means (especially since banks don't like doing anything that doesn't get them money)

Take the panic factor into account. Under duress, I may not be able to remember a 2nd PIN or a different procedure unless I was sufficiently drilled on it.

Better security cameras and lighting may deter more criminals. Perhaps a phonebooth-style ATM that protects your proximity would be more effective (against weather too!) - locking door, bulletproof glass, cell-based security phone. A variety of models in different configurations from light- to heavy-duty, depending on the bank's location and needs.

The long-term solution is a greater acceptance of debit cards to reduce the need to carry cash at all.

From CharonV:
"What will happen when "ATM Muggers" find out that their "Target" may in all probability have 2 Pins ? and one of these Pins is designed to "both fool them and perhaps even get them Jail time ?

Banks normally advertise this sort of thing to all of their clients."

Isn't this a GOOD thing? If the response 'alert' PIN is identical except that the bank/police are silently notified, the first point at which the mugger knows which PIN was entered is the point at which he hears the sirens and sees the blue flashing lights and then it's a bit late to be thinking of revenge. Faced with that possibility, a potential mugger might think twice, and prevention is definitely better than cure here.

Chriss Dillon: debit cards are also stolen, and you can find a lot of information about htis on the net.

Thank you for stating the obvious, vanhees. Would you agree that a stolen debit card is much less useful than stolen cash? I wonder how many ATM muggers take the card as well?

I am in agreement with PhilipH that "prevention is definitely better than the cure" so I think that a second/alternate PIN is an insufficient solution. Some simple market research may help determine if the average bank consumer would accept or reject the approach.

I'm also in agreement with mashermasher that "banks don't like doing anything that doesn't get them money" but if they lose customers out of fear of using their ATM, they will need explore other options like improving physical security, or promoting and rewarding cashless transactions.

Where do you see the industry headed?

This is a useless idea. You would never think of this if you were being mugged.

a better idea would be when your card is used the bank machine takes a photo of the person... i know it dose that already but sill

I think is not a bad idea, however, you will be in risk if they are trying to steal you and they find out you are giving the security PIN.