7-10banking-basics

PIN security

Explore why shoulder surfing (watching someone enter their PIN) and hidden cameras are common ATM fraud methods.

In this lesson

PIN security is part of Cards and ATMs. This preview shows how banking-basics connects to everyday family decisions such as earning, saving, spending choices, goals, approvals, or parent-guided money conversations inside Progress Penguin.

Think about this money choice

Imagine this situation: You write your PIN inside your wallet 'in case you forget it.

How it works

Shoulder surfing (watching someone enter their PIN) and hidden cameras are common ATM fraud methods. Covering the keypad costs nothing and blocks both techniques simultaneously.

Try a real-life example

Real-life money moment: Your PIN is your birth year: 2014.

Activity preview

Choose the best money move

Use what you just learned. Choose the option you can explain.

Quiz preview

Your debit card PIN should be:

Shared with friends

Known only to you

Written on the card

Posted online

You write your PIN inside your wallet 'in case you forget it.' Why is this a serious security risk?

If your wallet is stolen, the thief has both your card and PIN — instant access to your account

It is not — writing it down is helpful

Only a risk if the thief knows which number is the PIN

Banks can detect if a written PIN is used