Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I was quite fascinated to see when I went into a local branch of Nedbank that between the two security doors that you have to enter through into most banks, they have a fingerprint machine. Essentially, only once this has taken your fingerprint does it let you into the bank and I asked the manager about it and while I have not verified the information it appears to be that the system holds a data storage of all known bank robbers and criminals, but does not store the actual fingerprints of those going into the bank, so long as they are not involved in any fraudulent transaction in the bank. In other words, if you try and pass off a fraudulent cheque, as I understand it, you will struggle to get into a Nedbank again. I am not super keen about all of these invasions of our privacy, but on the other hand I do think that leads to more responsible business, as well as to an enhanced security and safety and so I believe that that mitigates against the privacy concerns.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Friday 18-Nov-11
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Comments
Charmaine said:
on Tuesday 22-Jan-13 09:22 PM
Why did they remove it? Can someone tell us please?
Nadia said:
on Thursday 24-Nov-11 10:14 AM
If it does not store the fingerprint of people going into the bank, who do they know how to keep the person being a criminal's fingerprint.....? You might be standing there for a while with people coming and going so there is no way of keeping track of the people and fingerprints.
Annette said:
on Tuesday 22-Nov-11 01:40 PM
I never visit the bank as I use internet banking which is far more safer and convenient. It is a good idea though to keep the people that do need to go to the bank safe and reduce the risks of bank robberies.
Sally said:
on Tuesday 22-Nov-11 01:28 PM
I think that it is a brilliant idea to have fingerprint scanners at banks, to try and minimize bank robberies and to try and make it saver for people that really need to go into the banks for their transactions.
Nicky said:
on Tuesday 22-Nov-11 12:56 PM
I think it's a good idea to have fingerprint scanners at banks, provided that it saves and has a database of only criminals and fraudsters, and not normal clients. I really would not like my fingerprints saved on some bank's database, and in this regard I agree with Nicolle on the issue of identity theft.
Jessica said:
on Tuesday 22-Nov-11 12:51 PM
Wow that is amazing, the new technology of today is impressive. But the only problem is that most people do internet banking and transactions now, so how will they protect the client's money then? They should develope a system for that especially.
Nicolle said:
on Tuesday 22-Nov-11 12:41 PM
I think that although the entire system is probably installed to the benefit of the client and the staff of the bank – it’s cold and would make people uncomfortable.
I agree with the fact that should you be in hurry – you now basically have to go through not only “airport security” but they take your finger prints as well.
How can you be certain that copy of your finger print is not stored somewhere in their database – because lets face it – banks aren’t always honest. What if you become a victim of identity theft.
Perhaps I’m just paranoid or nervous nelly.
kaylene said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 02:40 PM
Although thats a great idea, it is sometimes very frustrating if you in a hurry and then the machine takes long to read your fingerprint. The door will ony open once your fingerprint has been scanned.
kaylene said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 02:40 PM
Although thats a great idea, it is sometimes very frustrating if you in a hurry and then the machine takes long to read your fingerprint. The door will ony open once your fingerprint has been scanned.
Cherise said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 02:15 PM
Wow that is really awesome, considering the amount of banking fraud that exsists.
I love Nedbank will never change my bank!
Lizanne said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 02:06 PM
I never visit the bank. I only use my internet banking because it's quick, sufficient and safe. You also do not have to risk your life by standing in the bank and praying that a robbery wont take place. For the people that actually goes into that back, that will be a great safety feature but there will be someone that will crack the code and hack in somehow. What system will they implement then?
Ting said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 01:58 PM
I hope this happens with other banks and not just Nedbank. This should have been done ages ago but it is good to hear and see that they are putting 'money' into something that actually helps and protects the public.
Daniela said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 01:57 PM
I recently found out from a friend of mine who works for another bank that she was dealing with fraud internally. She had to liaise with Forensics, Police, SARS, HR you name it.
There's a syndicate going around where the poverty stricken beggars or street vendors etc. are approached and paid like R50 to open a bank account. The employees at the bank were then playing around with the millionaires bank accounts over a prolonged period, transferring hundreds of thousands of rands. The first guy confessed and named names, so he as good as done, possibly before the trial even.
All I am saying, is although these new measures are being implemented, there is always a will and a means around it. The person opening the account has absolutely no intention of ever going back again.
Bernadette said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 01:56 PM
I think that it is a very good idea. I think that if it works in Nedbank then the other banks should try and implement it.
Brenda said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 01:38 PM
I very seldom go into the bank, as I really hate standing in those long ques just to make one transaction, which is why i have internet and cellphone banking. But i do think that this is a great idea and it could minimize bank robbery quite tremendously.
It is amazing what new things are being transpired, although it is sad that we have had to resort to this sort of drastic measure though.
Lucretia said:
on Monday 21-Nov-11 01:36 PM
Excuse the pun "on the other hand". I, however, am in total agreement with any way in which they want to protect me and my surroundings. If having the thumb print means detecting bad elements, at least i know i can go and do my banking without fear of putting myself in danger. Anything that keeps law abiding citizens safe, has my vote.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
