[sci.crypt] Is your secret code just a bad memory?

weiss@umnstat.UUCP (Robert Weiss) (05/23/87)

The following ad just appeared in my bank statement:

Is your secret code just a bad memory?

If you have problems remembering the secret code number for your EXPRESS
TELLER (sm) card, now you can make up your own code.  One you won't
forget.  Use your mother's birthdate, for instance. The year you
graduated from high school.  Your Aunt Gertrude's name.  Any combination
of four to eight numbers or letters.  Just remember, all you have to do
is stop by any <insert bank name> office.  


Do you suppose the authors have been reading the net lately? (:-)

Consider the following (historical) scenario:  Kid steals nickle from
mother's purse, goes to candy store, buys candy.  Now update it using
your ATM card...  and don't forget that convenient secret code number!

One last complaint:  (This belongs somewhere else, sorry)  When I stand
up straight at most ATM's, I can't see the slot where the card comes
out.  Thus, it is moderately easy to lose the card through
forgetfulness.  I'm only 6 feet tall.  Now as I get older, I'll get 
shorter, so this problem should go away... assuming senility doesn't set in.  

Robert Weiss
umnstat!weiss@umn-cs.ARPA
ihnp4!umn-cs!umnstat!weiss