THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 28, 1996 TAG: 9608280015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
The death of Airman 1st Class Eric Michael Nesbitt (July 27) disturbs me. The photograph of Nesbitt in The Virginian-Pilot infuriates me!
Why do we bother to photograph the users (victims) of automatic teller machines? Obviously, the reason is to protect the interests of the bank/credit union, not the customer. If we did, we would exploit this technology and use it to apprehend the criminals who coerce their victims to use the ATMs.
The terror in Nesbitt's face tells it all. He is helpless, unable to alert the police that his life is in danger. Could he have tipped off the police without alerting his murderers?
I think so.
There are numerous methods to enhance ATM security to protect the user from criminals. One idea would be to implement a covert duress system that alerts the police. For example, the ATM user enters his PIN in reverse order. The ATM is programmed to understand this signal, dispenses the money and calls the police. The consumer knows he must stall until the police arrive (and possibly save his life).
The terror in Airman Nesbitt's face tells it all.
JOHN F. YARBRO JR.
Virginia Beach, Aug. 21, 1996 by CNB