ATM SafetyPIN software

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ATM SafetyPIN software is a proposed software application that would allow users of automated teller machines (ATMs) to alert the police of a forced cash withdrawal by entering their personal identification number (PIN) in reverse order.[1] The system was invented and patented by Illinois lawyer Joseph Zingher (U.S. Patent 5,731,575 ).

[edit] History

The concept of an alternative emergency PIN system, or duress code, for ATM systems has been around since at least July 30, 1986, when Representative Mario Biaggi, a former police officer, proposed it in the U.S. Congressional Record, pp. 18232 et seq. Biaggi then proposed House Resolution 785 in 1987 which would have had the FBI track the problem of express kidnappings and evaluate the idea of an emergency PIN system. HR785 died in committee without debate.

Zingher has not been successful in marketing his invention. [2] Police in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas have supported the concept. [3][4][5][6] Police support prompted the Illinois legislature to pass a law making it mandatory on all ATMs in Illinois. The law was changed shortly after it was passed by a "follow-on" bill that changed the meaning to the exact opposite of what they were seeking. [7] [8][9] [10]

In 2006, an e-mail chain letter hoax circulated that claimed a reverse PIN duress code system is in place universally. [11] American Banker reported on January 2, 2007 that no PIN-reversal duress code is used on any ATM as of that date.

Diebold, a manufacturer of ATM machines, states on their website that no such emergency alerting system is currently in use. They cite an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch which claims bankers oppose the reverse-PIN system out of concerns that "ATM users might hesitate or fumble while trying to enter their PINs backwards under duress, possibly increasing the chances of violence." Diebold further states that they would be willing to support such technology if their customers (presumably banks) request it.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ ZICUBED ATM SAFETYPIN ATM Safety PIN aka Reverse PIN Web Site.
  2. ^ Why Great Ideas Get Shot Down CNNMoney.com, 01-27-2006
  3. ^ Asbury Park Press, January 25th, 2006
  4. ^ Are Local Banks Doing All They Can To Protect ATM Users? Jesse Jones, WLWT. March 3, 2004
  5. ^ St.Louis Post Dispatch, March 27th, 2005
  6. ^ "Wichita Eagle" April 19, 2001
  7. ^ St. Louis Post Dispatch, March 27, 2005
  8. ^ Public Act 093-0898 Illinois General Assembly
  9. ^ FINANCIAL REGULATION (205 ILCS 616/) Electronic Fund Transfer Act Illinois General Assembly
  10. ^ Banking on ATM Safety Forbes, 01-28-2004
  11. ^ Security Update - Reverse PIN Hoax Diebold, Inc.

[edit] Links