PIN reversals: An urban myth?

When a story spreads quickly over the Internet, sometimes it’s hard to know when it’s fact or fiction—especially when they have to do with financial services. Sometimes you can find out if it’s credible via a myth-busting site like www.snopes.com, but in some instances, you want to know straight from your financial institution.

Recently, Tech CU has been hearing some questions about an urban myth circulating through the CO-OP network about PIN (personal identification number) reversals—and that myth needs to be debunked. The story is that if a member is under duress (like a kidnapping or a robbery), the member could enter his or her PIN in reverse to alert the credit union or bank to a dangerous situation, which would in turn alert the police.

This technology is not available at any financial institution in the United States, contrary to this popular myth. The technique is not only improbable, but it is also impractical, as any member or customer who is in a dangerous situation is not likely to remember his or her PIN and reverse it, making it an unrealistic solution.

Financial institutions do monitor ATMs for potential dangerous situations. Many ATMs within the Tech CU and CO-OP networks are equipped with digital video surveillance technology to monitor any potential crimes or transgressions. These tapes are made available to law enforcement officers who need evidence after an incident has occurred.