We found out what happens if we enter our PIN code backwards

We found out what happens if we enter our PIN code backwards

Do you know what happens if you enter your credit card PIN code backwards? Does the ATM actually alert the police?

An enduring rumor circulating on the internet suggests that entering your PIN in reverse at an ATM can trigger a police response. Allegedly, the machine will dispense cash as usual, but the system will interpret it as a distress signal. Seeking clarity, here's what we've found out. Financial advisers dismiss this notion as a myth, and here's what they think about this common belief.

Entering the wrong PIN is perceived as an incorrect code, which neither enables cash withdrawal nor triggers a police alert. The ATM's computer operates on simple commands, rendering the order of numbers inconsequential. The system automatically registers an incorrect code and rejects the transaction. Additionally, experts remark that if such a feature existed, authorities and banks would have issued official warnings. Obviously, the internet is full of numerous risks, including various rumors and the persistent threat of fraud, so it's always best to double-check the facts. 

The advisers recommend different measures to prevent theft during cash withdrawals, such as adjusting your daily withdrawal limit.

  • All credit cards come with withdrawal limits for regulating ATM withdrawals daily or monthly, serving as a precaution. Periodically changing this limit is advisable to enhance security.
  • Once the daily limit is reached, the ATM will prevent further withdrawals.
  • There are various methods for adjusting these limits, including options for card payments, terminal withdrawals, and online transactions.
  • Smartphones enable payments by entering card details, and solutions like PayPass enhance convenience for cashless transactions, which can be safer in certain situations. 

Experts suggest prioritizing credit card payments whenever possible, as they can be easily tracked. Banks offer insurance against online theft, enabling them to reimburse victims, whereas cash transactions lack this safeguard. In such instances, only the police can intervene, and recovering lost funds through legal means proves considerably more difficult. Aligning with law enforcement's guidance on addressing fraud, the financial advisers recommend freezing the card and promptly reporting the incident to the police.

Despite repeated warnings, many individuals still fall prey to scams due to a lack of prior research or skepticism toward false information. As long as this issue persists, there will be limited recourse available.