Don't PIN hopes on getting help

Trading Standards is warning Leicestershire residents of a hoax email being circulated which claims that entering a card PIN number in reverse at a cash machine will alert police to a robbery taking place.

This hoax email is one of many reported to the County Council which includes requests to supply your bank details in return for a large sum of money to be deposited from another country, lottery winning scams and fake bank account checks asking for personal bank numbers. 

The email claims that with the introduction of new, sophisticated technology by banks and building societies, cash point users are now able to send a message to police when they are being forced to draw money against their wishes.  It is alleged that people who are being compelled to draw money can enter their PIN in reverse, which will still give them money as usual but the police will be alerted so that the criminals can be caught.

Banking authorities have confirmed that by entering your PIN number in reverse, the cash machine will register this as an incorrect PIN and ask you to re-enter.  You will not get any cash and the police will not be called.

David Bull Head of the Trading Standards Service said: "People should think twice before acting on such mass-mailed myths and scams. If you are suspicious, check with your bank or building society to see if the message is valid. Never give your banking security details to anyone who contacts you out of the blue, no matter how convincing the request may seem. “

Anyone with concerns about such messages should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Ends

Press release issued: January 11 2007