Cash machine users are being warned about a hoax e-mail which falsely claims to contain information about a plan to snare robbers.

The message, which has been circulated among thousands of people across the world, states that Police have set up an operation to help victims who are marched to ATM machines by thieves.

It claims that by typing your pin number in reverse you can alert officers that you are being targeted by a robber.

The machine will still dispense your cash, the e-mail says, but officers will then rush to the cash point and arrest the suspect.

It adds that people do not often make use of the scheme, because it is not widely known, but that it has recently been advertised on the TV.

However, Police on the Island yesterday said they had made relevant checks with cash machine operators at home and abroad, who insisted the e-mail is a hoax. Officers called for people to ignore the e-mail.

A Police spokesman said: "The Bermuda Police Service has received queries about an e-mail currently in circulation that pertains to the safety features of ATM machines and PIN numbers.

"After confirming with local and overseas financial institutions we are confident that the information contained in the e-mail is simply untrue. For further information, please contact your relevant financial institution."

Similar warnings about the e-mail have been issued across the world, including in America, South Africa and Malaysia.

According to computer experts, technology exists which would allow ATM users to contact police in an emergency by punching in their pin in reverse.

However, reports say bankers have been opposed to such a system because of safety concerns.

They claim that ATM users might hesitate or fumble while trying to enter their pins backwards under duress ? possibly increasing the chances of violence.

Bankers insist they acknowledge the problem of ATM crime and recommend that customers use due caution and be aware of their surroundings when using cash machines.

The hoax e-mail states: "If you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw your money from an ATM machine, you can notify the Police by entering your pin # in reverse.

"For example if your pin number is 1234 then you would put in 4321. The ATM recognises that your pin number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machine.

"The machine will still give you the money you requested but, unknown to the robber, the Police will be immediately dispatched to help you.

"This information was recently broadcast on TV and it states that it is seldom used because people don't know it exists. Please pass this along to everyone possible."