Computerized password verification system and method for ATM transactions

A method for the discreet recognition and reporting of a duress transaction being imposed upon a customer at a remote cash-dispensing terminal having a display screen, means for inputting of a customer selection, means for reading a transaction card having a personal identification number of the customer stored therein, and computer means for processing a customer request for cash, said method comprising the steps of:

• after the transaction card is read into the computer means and the personal identification number of the customer is verified;
• generating a plurality of transaction acceptance passwords in the computer means, one of the plurality of passwords being pre-assigned to the customer and stored in the computer means;
• displaying the plurality of passwords on the display screen in a grouped format together with a prompt to the customer for selection of the pre-assigned passwords;
• and
• signaling authorities upon the inputted selection of one of the plurality of passwords other than the pre-assigned password of the customer.

In an automatic teller machine system of the type used to dispense cash to a customer and having a display screen, means for inputting customer selections, means for reading a transaction card with a personal identification number of the customer stored therein, and a central computer for processing a cash request from the customer, the improvement comprising:

• first means for instructing the central computer to generate a plurality of transaction acceptance passwords after the personal identification number is read into the central computer and verified, one of the plurality of passwords being pre-assigned to the customer and stored in the central computer;
• second means for instructing the central computer to display the plurality of passwords on the display screen grouped in a list and having a prompt to the customer for selection of the pre-assigned password;
• third means for instructing the central computer to dispense the cash request upon the inputted selection of the pre-assigned password;
• and
• fourth means for instructing the central computer to signal authorities of a duress cash request upon the inputted selection of one of the plurality of passwords other than the pre-assigned password and further to dispense a limited amount of cash in response to the request.