By sending a simple text message, consumers can protect their bank cards against unauthorized or fraudulent use. MobiTransact Card Lock, a new solution from Diebold, Inc., allows consumers to lock and unlock their bank cards to permit or deny account use at automated teller machines and point-of-sale devices. Diebold is also making it easier for consumers to take advantage of mobile banking services like Card Lock by facilitating signup right at the ATM.

Part of Diebold's MobiTransact mobile banking offering, Card Lock uses the mobile channel as an out-of-band authentication tool for ATM and POS transactions. The application enables users to send Short Message Service text message commands that control the usage status of their ATM debit cards. By texting "lock" to a designated number, the user locks his or her card for all future ATM and POS transactions, preventing use until he or she unlocks the card. Texting "lock ATM" locks the card for just ATM withdrawal transactions. Sending an "unlock" command opens the card for use in any transaction until the user locks it again. Using these simple commands, Card Lock users gain direct control of their accounts for access when and where they want it.

"In a survey conducted by TowerGroup…consumers indicated that transaction security was the No. 1 attribute they value in financial services providers," says Nicole Sturgill, research director at TowerGroup. "These same customers have likely been using the same PIN for years. Improving security at the ATM and allowing customers to control it is an important step to regaining customer trust."

The mobile banking platform also informs mobile banking users about all transactions that have been attempted with their ATM debit card. The alert message explains that a transaction has occurred or why the transaction was denied. This message is helpful for users who may have forgotten that their cards were locked. It will remind them to simply send a command to unlock their cards. More importantly, the message serves as an important tool to alert a user of suspicious or fraudulent activity and allows them to stop unauthorized withdrawals by locking their card.

"The Card Lock application is designed to empower consumers to further protect their own accounts against unauthorized use," says John Deignan, vice president, chief marketing officer, Diebold. "By putting consumers in charge of their own security, Card Lock helps them actively participate in fraud mitigation."

Diebold's MobiTransact offering also includes mobile banking sign-up at the ATM. This feature enables ATM users to complete mobile banking enrollment right at the terminal. Financial institutions can push customized screens to terminals, enticing users to initiate the sign-up process. Users then enter their mobile number at the ATM and receive a six-digit code that they text back to the financial institution. To ensure security, the sign-up process provides multi-factor authentication via the customer's ATM card, PIN and mobile device.

http://news.diebold.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5134