While watching the news this morning, I saw yet another case of a thug stealing someone's ATM card and taking money from their account. The scenario is pretty common. Either the thief forces the victim to enter their PIN or they forcibly obtain it and enter it themselves. I think I have a way to help reduce this sort of crime...

What if everyone had 2 PINs for their ATM card? The first PIN is the one you use today to manage your accounts. The other one, however, would also work, but it would also trigger a number of things to cut down on these unfortunate events. First, when the ATM realized this was the "emergency" PIN, it would immediately send alert the local police -- sort of the same way the teller can press a button when they're being robbed. Second, it would force the ATM camera to capture more still photos or video of the transaction with the goal of giving the police more information.

At the very least, if every bank implemented this idea, I'll bet more criminals would think twice before committing their next ATM robbery. I know it won't eliminate the problem, but it ought to reduce it.

Can people remember 2 separate PINs? Sure. Make it easy on yourself. Maybe your primary one is 1234 and your "emergency" one is 9234. The theif is never going to know the difference...till it's too late.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree