Diebold launches ATM security initiative; releases consumer coin counter

Source: Diebold

Diebold introduced S.A.F.E. The letters stand for Secure Anti-Fraud Enhancements, and the idea behind the new initiative takes automated teller machine (ATM) security to another level.

S.A.F.E. represents Diebold's latest in technological enhancements in ATM fraud deterrence solutions. Diebold's unique system of integrated, layered technology guards against all types of ATM fraud and enhances security for ATM users.

With the expansion of newer schemes and more sophisticated scamming devices, Diebold continues to evaluate emerging technologies to maintain its proactive approach to fighting ATM fraud. S.A.F.E., the company's latest ATM security initiative, investigates current and future technologies and offers an overall cost-effective and environmentally safe fraud-detection solution.

"Our objective in fighting ATM fraud is to deter, detect and deploy best- in-class security solutions to minimize losses, mitigate risk for our customers and maintain consumer confidence in using ATMs," said Ken Justice, Diebold's vice president of global product marketing and management.

To protect against ATM fraud, Diebold implemented new, leading-edge technology that integrates video intelligence directly into the ATM and transforms the way fraudulent devices are detected and communicated to the financial institution. Consequently, any sustained alteration to the ATM fascia will trigger an alert.

Other new technology includes integrated sensor intelligence - built directly into the card readers of Diebold's Opteva ATMs - that detect skimmers and can be configured to automatically take terminals out of service if an unfamiliar device is identified. And an integrated PIN-pad shield blocks shoulder surfing and a spy camera's ability to record PIN entry.

Diebold's ATM security objectives include deterring criminal attempts to commit fraud by educating the industry and consumers about existing and potential fraud, detecting and quickly dismantling fraud devices and deploying superior solutions that minimize fraud-related monetary losses.

Because Diebold recognizes the value and importance of educating consumers against ATM fraud, the company recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind ATM security Web site, specifically geared toward consumer safety. The site provides invaluable information about how ATM users can increase personal safety and avoid becoming victims of fraud.

S.A.F.E. complements Diebold's 14 integrated ATM security features, which range from consumer awareness mirrors to operating system software security. Last year, the ATM Industry Association presented Diebold with awards for "ATM Security Best Technology" and "Best Contribution to Promoting the Interests and Growth of the Industry in the Field of ATM Security." The awards were presented for Diebold's long-term positive influence on improving the industry, excellence in technology and levels of service and leadership in applying best practices and specific measurable achievements that produce tangible results.

Separately, the newest self-service solution created by Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) is intent on helping Americans rid themselves of more than $10 billion in coin.

Diebold CoinCount, the company's first solution for consumer coin counting, will bring the convenience of self-service coin conversion to the branch environment.

Whether in pockets, at the bottom of purses or jars or under couch cushions, each American household possesses an estimated $99 in loose change.
According to a 2004 white paper by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), "Credit Union Counting Services: Changing Attitudes About Change,"
that equals nearly $10 billion in coin. When consumers decide to convert that coin into a more portable format, many rely on a third party. Diebold's CoinCount can now be that third party assisting financial institutions in attracting these consumers.

CoinCount enables financial institutions to expand their service offerings to provide customers and members with convenient, fast access to coin-counting services right inside the branch. Tom Swidarski, Diebold's president and chief operating officer, said the solution was developed to help financial institutions draw consumers to the branch.

"As the way we pay for products and services evolves, the demand for self- service coin counting options grows," Swidarski said. "Our customers have been waiting for Diebold to offer this type of product, and we're proud to provide them with a high-quality solution to help attract consumers to the branch. CoinCount will provide new opportunities for our customers and added convenience for their customers."

CoinCount offers financial institutions opportunities for customer/member recruitment and retention and improved productivity. By using CoinCount to help attract consumers to the branch, financial institutions can cross-sell other branch products and services, generate new revenue through transaction fees and provide another avenue for branding and marketing.

Engineered with simplicity for consumer use and ease for financial institutions ownership, CoinCount features a liquid crystal display (LCD) that leads consumers through the transaction process. Available in two models, both CoinCount options count coins and provide customers with a receipt, which they can take to the teller to exchange for paper currency. The deluxe model also sorts coin, providing added convenience and time savings for the financial institution. The sorting unit counts and sorts coins, by denomination, into coin bags. It can be configured to sort all U.S. denominations of coin.

CoinCount can improve productivity by minimizing the need for branch personnel to handle, count or sort coin. Its advanced hopper cleaning system helps ensure that branch personnel will not be taken out of service to retrieve consumer items that may be inadvertently deposited with coin. The system separates coin from debris such as jewelry, paper clips and other items that often mingle with loose coin. Non-coin items are returned to the customer through a pocket in the front of the unit.

Subsequent to using CoinCount, customers and members can take CoinCount receipts to a Diebold RemoteTeller System to complete their coin transactions and access other branch services. First introduced to the financial industry in 1997, RemoteTeller is a teller-assisted, walk-up banking unit that utilizes pneumatic tube technology and two-way, closed-circuit television. During RemoteTeller transactions, cameras and monitors allow the consumer and teller to see one another, even though they are located in different areas of the branch. They communicate using a microphone and speaker or a headset. Documents are exchanged through a vacuum tube. The system promotes increased productivity and added security for branch personnel while maintaining personalized customer service.

More than 1,000 Diebold RemoteTeller stations are in place around the world.
And Diebold recently introduced enhancements to this trusted system. A new, modern design offers financial institutions full customization options, enabling them to tailor the look of their RemoteTeller stations to coordinate with their branch environment and complement their brand. An enhanced teller queuing system allows for full optimization of the system's most attractive benefit - the ability to increase productivity by allowing tellers to serve multiple consumers simultaneously.

RemoteTeller's new queuing system can queue up to 16 RemoteTeller stations, enabling tellers to track which consumers to greet in order of their arrival at the stations and who to service in order of transactions' arrivals to the teller. In addition its "View-Thru" dual-sided teller unit enhances teller layout designs by further reducing the footprint required for transactions by enabling tellers to reach the carrier from either side.

Swidarski said the new and enhanced products demonstrate Diebold's continued commitment to the financial sector.

"The financial sector has been central to Diebold's business for nearly 150 years, and we know the consumer is central to their business," Swidarski said. "CoinCount and RemoteTeller are just two solutions we've created to help transform the branch and enable financial institutions to retain their most valuable asset - their customers and members."

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