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VERIFY: Punching Pin Number Backward Calls 911?

Can typing your pin number backward alert 911 that you need help at the ATM?

VERIFY QUESTION

Type a four-digit pin number into that magic machine, and voila! Your cash awaits. For the most part, a trip to the ATM is a positive experience, but what if you're approached by someone threatening?

Good Morning Show viewer Jerome Smith said he had seen this post several times on Facebook. It has several typos and misspellings and says if a thief forces you to take money out of an ATM, do not argue or resist. The post says to punch the pin number backward (if the pin is 1234, type 4321). Doing so will supposedly cause money to get stuck in the slot and alert the police "without the robber's knowledge."

VERIFY SOURCE

VERIFYing this was simple. We reached out to Susan Danielsen, the public information officer for the Greensboro Police Department.

VERIFY PROCESS

Danielsen said, "Totally bogus. This urban legend has been around for at least 10 years. We ask people ot pay attention to what is happening around them before they approach an ATM. If something doesn't feel right, or someone is acting suspiciously, go to a different ATM."

VERIFY CONCLUSION

Most ATMs have cameras, but they won't automatically call the police. And, typing your pin number backward certainly won't dial 911 for you. Be vigilant at the ATM.

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