Abstract: A system includes a template database storing, for each of a plurality of predefined root causes, a corresponding correspondence template and response form template. Each root cause corresponds to a cause of an exception associated with an ATM. An automatic reconciliation tool determines a exception has occurred associated with a ATM. A set of exception parameters are determined associated with the exception. A party is determined at the service provider with which to correspond in or order to resolve the exception. A root cause of the exception is determined. A correspondence template and a response form template are identified for the determined root cause and used to generate correspondence which includes a description of the exception, instructions for actions to take, and a link configured to provide access to a response form. The response form includes fields for providing a response parameter.

Abstract: A method for audio based amount confirmation for a visually impaired user of a payment card requesting a payment transaction, the method comprising the steps of associating, during an enrolment process, the payment card to a user terminal, sending, responsive to entering the payment amount at a transaction terminal by the merchant, a notification message to the user terminal, the notification message having a content comprising at least the payment amount and, optionally, additional payment related information, converting, at the user terminal, the content of the notification message into audio data, presenting the audio data to the user, prompting, responsive to presenting the audio data to the user, payment confirmation or decline by the user, generating a respective response message, and processing, responsive to and depending on the content of the response message, the payment or generating an adjustment message to be displayed to the merchant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a recording method for mobile terminal and a mobile terminal. The method includes: when the mobile terminal is in a call with a contact, obtaining information of the contact in the current call with the mobile terminal; determining whether the information of the contact in the current call is found in an automatic recording list preset in the mobile terminal; and activating call recording when the information of the contact in the current call is found in the automatic recording list in the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A transaction terminal may be configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction may be of a general type.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device that is operable to at least partially disable functionality of the mobile electronic device in response to receiving an indication that a vehicle is in motion. In one or more implementations, the electronic device includes a memory operable to store one or more modules and a processor communicatively coupled to the touch-sensitive display and to the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to detect presence of a lock-out device and to receive an indication that a vehicle is in motion. The processor is also operable to execute the one or more modules to cause the mobile electronic device to be at least partially inoperable in response to receiving the indication and detecting presence of the lock-out device.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium configured to track the location of lost payment cards.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for the mobile terminal to automatically answer an incoming call are disclosed. Firstly when there is an incoming call for the mobile terminal, whether an auricle image is acquired at a screen side of the mobile terminal is detected, and if the auricle image is acquired, then the auricle image is compared with image templates in an pre-stored auricle standard library to determine whether there is a matching image template, and if it is determined that there is a matching image template, then the mobile terminal is controlled to answer the incoming call.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transaction card bearing data and having an output interface capable of transmitting the data, a card reader having an input interface enabled to accept the data from the output interface of the transaction card, conversion circuitry converting the card data to an analog modulated signal, and an output pin from the card reader adapted to engage in a microphone port of a computerized appliance, the output pin providing the analog modulated signal to the port, and thence to the computerized appliance.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium configured to track the location of lost payment cards.

Abstract: Techniques for verifying identity and/or location of a customer. One embodiment involves receiving a customer-provided address from a customer in a communication via a computer network or telephone network. The customer is a person or entity paying to receive calls from a resident of a controlled access residential institution. The embodiment further involves accessing a computer system to identify location information associated with the customer, the location information derived from additional information within or about the communication and determining a reliability estimate of the customer-provided address by comparing the customer-provided address with the location information associated with the customer that was identified based on the additional information. The embodiment may involve notifying a telecommunications provider, the controlled access residential institution, or law enforcement based on the reliability estimate of the customer-provided address.

Abstract: Systems are provided that allow users to access resources in a manner that addresses inherent deficiencies in existing authentication systems. During a typical authentication process, the system may connect the user to one or more authenticators in real time through a variety of communications channels so that the authenticators may verify that the user is who he/she purports to be. In this way, a user may be authenticated and allowed to complete transactions that require access to protected resources/transactions. In some embodiments, the system may automatically identify authenticators for a user via an onboarding process by searching the user's electronic files, accessing social and professional networking sites, searching one or more credit reporting databases, or other such means.

Abstract: A call revenue enhancement system for a prison telephone system allows prisoners to make and initial call to a dialed number, and automatically prompts the called party to set up a credit card to be billed for future calls from the inmate. Additional phone numbers may also be specified to which the inmate may make calls which will be automatically charged to the credit card provided by the called party.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for managing mobile transactions. A mobile number of a customer is registered with a mobile telephone network operator. An alternate mobile number is assigned to the customer, and the mobile number is associated with the alternate mobile number. The alternate mobile number is employed in communication between the customer and a service provider.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction.

Abstract: A voice authentication system using a removable voice ID card comprises: at server side, a voiceprint database for storing the voiceprints of all authorized users; a voiceprint updating means for updating the voiceprints in said voiceprint database; and a voiceprint digest generator for generating a voiceprint digest according to a request from a client; at client side, a voice ID card for storing the voiceprint of an authorized user; a validation means for validating the voiceprint in the voice ID card on the basis of the voiceprint digest from the server; an audio device for performing voice interaction with a user; and a voice authentication means for determining whether the voiceprint from said voice ID card is of the same speaker as the voice from said audio device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods in which an incoming call port is looped back at a switch and, under control of a call segment controller, is directed to applications and/or other termination points to provide enhanced calling services. According to a preferred embodiment, the call segment controller is provided with initial call instructions to initially direct an incoming call. The call may then be directed to an application which interacts with the call to determine further call instructions. These further call instructions are passed to the call segment controller to further process the call. Under control of the call segment controller the call may be directed to multiple termination points, including redirection to the application to provide subsequent interaction with the call.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a unified call center system for multiple service providers comprising at least one server; and at least one database in communication with the at least one server. A service provider executes software stored on the at least one server to register an account, the registration process requiring the service provider to enter a predetermined set of information, including at least one identifier for an electronic voice communication device, an additional identifier for an electronic communication device (voice or text) and a personal identifier. After entry of the predetermined set of information, the software generates a unique identifier for the account and communicates the unique identifier and a return destination address for activating the account. The service provider then operates to activate the account by communicating their personal identifier to the return destination address using the electronic communication device.

Abstract: A method and system of providing an electronic receipt, such as a SMS text message, to a consumer responsive to a purchase of long distance calling minutes, real-time replenishment of the customer's account, and seamless, pin-less use of the purchased long-distance from the user's chosen phone(s).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for linking a prepaid calling card account to a credit card account. The linkage can occur at the time of a transaction involving the credit card account, or when the credit card account is acquired, activated, or renewed. The method can include at least the following. At least one transaction can be executed using the credit card account as payment for the transaction, or the credit card account can be acquired, activated or renewed. A prepaid calling card account is associated with the credit card account, and information related to the new prepaid calling card account is provided to a holder of the credit card account. Various aspects of the invention also provide anti-fraud and credit card recovery capability based on the above teaching.

Abstract: A system is provided for connecting collect calls. A collect call number for the collect call is received. A blocking status of the collect call number is determined. The collect call number is dialed. A call recipient is prompted to accept the collect call and to select a billing option according to the blocking status. The collect call is connected based on the selected billing option.

Abstract: A voice authentication system using a removable voice ID card comprises: at server side, a voiceprint database for storing the voiceprints of all authorized users; a voiceprint updating means for updating the voiceprints in said voiceprint database; and a voiceprint digest generator for generating a voiceprint digest according to a request from a client; at client side, a voice ID card for storing the voiceprint of an authorized user; a validation means for validating the voiceprint in the voice ID card on the basis of the voiceprint digest from the server; an audio device for performing voice interaction with a user; and a voice authentication means for determining whether the voiceprint from said voice ID card is of the same speaker as the voice from said audio device. The present invention can significantly avoid the abuse of a voice ID card when it is lost or stolen by using the voiceprint digest stored at server side to verify the voiceprint in the voice ID card.

Abstract: A communication system providing telephony communication across combined circuit switched and packet switched networks, such as a telephone network and the Internet, which are connectable to terminals, such as telephones and computers, for selective communication therebetween. The communication system includes an authorization and account control object in the packet switched network, multiple gateways between the circuit switched and packet switched networks providing controlled connectivity between those networks, and an information retrieval object in the packet switched network, wherein the authorization and account control object maintains a substantially real time record of user accounts and usage, and the information and retrieval object provides substantially real time retrieval of selected information from the authorization and account control object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operator type calling and billing is accomplished by either automated operator instruction prompts, live operator instruction prompts or a combination of both automated and live operator prompts and live or automated billing verification and authorization processes. The operator call type and billing method can be used for operator calls such as calling card, credit card, collect, third party or person-to-person operator calls. In an embodiment the called party is given the option of paying for the incoming collect telephone call with a credit or debit card or with a calling card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging against prepaid credit in a communication network. When a first terminal requests establishment of a call to a second terminal, the network ascertains whether prepaid credit is involved. If so, accounting sessions are established between an accounting server and any accounting servers that will raise costs during the call. A session identifier is generated. Once the call is established, charging update data is sent from the accounting clients to the accounting server, where it is collated on the basis of the accounting session identifier, whereby enabling updating of the prepaid credit during the call.

Abstract: A method, a system and a network node for determining services accessible via a subscription having an account and at least a first limit in a communication system. The method includes defining at least a first set of services and a second set of services to be used with the subscription, each set of services defining services accessible via the subscription, comparing the balance of the account with the first limit, using the first set of services when the balance of the account does not reach the first limit, and using the second set of services when the balance reaches the first limit.

Abstract: When a card remaining balance for a non-contact type integrated circuit card processing chip 114 has been updated, a CPU 101 indicates that the card remaining balance has been updated by performing drive control of a notification portion (information LED 8, information speaker 9) having a cellular telephone function.

Abstract: A monetary account, such as a prepaid account or credit account, that is used as payment for purchases is divided into categories of purchased items. When a purchase is attempted, a request to apply the monetary account specifies the category of the item being purchased. Rules associated with each of the categories of the account are applied in response to the request to determine whether to approve or deny the purchase. Rules may vary from one category to the next. As one example, a rule may include a remaining monetary value of the category where a determination is made whether the cost of the item being purchased is no more than the remaining monetary value. As another example, a rule may include whether a time of the purchase matches an allowable time for the category of the item being purchased. Other examples include rules that allow for borrowing from one category for purchases from another, for specific allocations, and for event triggers to generate alarms.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for global address verification of a transaction, such as a transaction card purchase. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system verifies a billing address and/or an alternate address (e.g., shipping address) in a single transaction. The billing address and/or the alternate address are associated with a transaction card purchaser. If the billing and/or alternate addresses are verified, then the transaction card issuer may offer a payment guarantee to the merchant. The merchant may choose to ship the purchased item to either a billing address or an alternate address. If the address is not verified, then the transaction card issuer may choose not to offer a payment guarantee to the merchant, and the merchant may choose not to ship the item to the alternate address.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method provides a user with a prepaid account with a predetermined number of units for language interpretation service. Further, the method provides a live language interpretation service, through a telephone call, to the user. In addition, the method deducts one or more units from the predetermined number of units in the prepaid account based on a duration of the telephone call in addition to any units deducted by a telephone service provider for telephone service based on the duration of the telephone call.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods in which an incoming call port is looped back at a switch and, under control of a call segment controller, is directed to applications and/or other termination points to provide enhanced calling services. According to a preferred embodiment, the call segment controller is provided with initial call instructions to initially direct an incoming call. The call may then be directed to an application which interacts with the call to determine further call instructions. These further call instructions are passed to the call segment controller to further process the call. Under control of the call segment controller the call may be directed to multiple termination points, including redirection to the application to provide subsequent interaction with the call.

Abstract: A method for conducting credit card transactions at a business having a plurality of remote customer interfaces includes the steps of electronically transmitting a customer's order from one of the plurality of remote customer interfaces to a transaction hub, entering the customer's order into the transaction hub, transmitting payment information for the customer's order from the transaction hub to a credit card interface at the one of the plurality of remote customer interfaces, electronically transmitting credit card information from the credit card interface to the transaction hub and conducting a credit card approval procedure. A presently preferred apparatus includes a system that includes a remote customer interface and a transaction hub. The remote customer interface preferably includes a credit card interface and a radio client. The transaction hub preferably includes a central server and a radio client.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing a RF module configured to convert a nontraditional transaction device for traditional transaction completion. The RF module is placed in physical and logical communication with a microprocessor of a nontraditional transaction device for receiving a personalization file to enable the RF module to complete RF transactions. In an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to receive the personalization file from a mobile device account provider subsequent to an end user establishing communication with the device account provider and notifying the provider that a RF module is to be personalized. The mobile device account provider may receive the personalization file from a RF module account issuer and provide the personalization file to the RF module via the mobile device microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing a prepaid wireless account for voice and data communications services. According to one embodiment the communications system, having a prepaid architecture for managing a plurality of prepaid wireless accounts for communication services, wherein each prepaid account is associated with a prepaid subscriber comprises a wireless network including a mobile switch, in communication with a wireless device, the wireless device for remotely managing at least one of the prepaid accounts. The communications system also comprises a wide area network including a prepaid account database for storing records assigned to subscribers of prepaid communications services; a prepaid application module for initializing and updating the prepaid accounts; a credit card transaction server, coupled to a credit card database, for checking available credit; and a prepaid server coupled to the prepaid account database and the prepaid application module.

Abstract: A mobile communication device with security mechanisms is provided for enabling wireless personal information transfer with increased security. In another embodiment of the invention, a mobile communication device is used to confirm a transaction.

Abstract: A user is allowed to place a call to a target phone number upon receipt of one or more remembrance-promoted numbers and zero or more passwords, from the user, at an access phone number location. The one or more remembrance-promoted numbers comprise one or more of: an existing phone number employable by one or more users to place one or more direct calls to the user; and one or more numbers preselected by the user.

Abstract: A multipurpose card serves as an effective marketing tool in today's competitive marketplace. The multipurpose card includes a main portion and a key ring portion. The key ring portion may be separated from the main portion.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing a quantity of pre-paid telephone time from an automated teller machine (ATM) or a point-of-sale device (POS terminal), to a patron of either of such device. PIN numbers, obtained from a telephone service provider and each designating a pre-paid quantity of telephone service time, are made available to the ATM or POS terminal. The patron is queried by the device if he/she wishes to purchase telephone time. Upon selection of a quantity of pre-paid telephone time by a patron and payment for such purchased quantity of time, the device selects a particular PIN number having an associated quantity of telephone time corresponding to the quantity of telephone service time purchased by the patron, and provides such PIN number to the patron. In a preferred embodiment the PIN number is provided to the patron by being printed out on the ATM's existing account statement printer, or on the account statement printer of a POS terminal if a POS device is alternatively employed.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, there is provided a system for monitoring a plurality of telephone calls to a common private branch exchange, PBX) in order to detect fraudulent activity. In particular, fraudulent activity is detected in calls made to and originating from a PBX that uses a common billing number. If fraudulent activity is found, an alert message is provided to a fraud analyst for further review. Call detail records corresponding to each of the calls, are retrieved and stored in a queue. The billing number and a call time associated with each call detail record are analyzed. Each call detail record, billing number and call time is compared with at least one predetermined threshold relating to billing numbers and call times.

Abstract: System and method for validating a call within a telecommunications network that is vendor-independent. The system and method include a messaging facility, a validation database, and a validation facility. The messaging facility is connected to the telecommunications network, and configured to message to and receive messages from a telecommunication device (e.g., router, IRVU, etc.) related to the call being placed within the telecommunications network and to receive a validation request related to the call from said telecommunications device, the validation request being in a first format. The validation database is configured to maintain data relating to validating authorities (e.g., CYBERCASH, CYBERSOURCE, etc.) and the validating authorities' messaging format requirements (e.g., request content, protocol, format, etc.).

Abstract: A method of accounting for online Internet usage credit includes establishing an account identifier in a database for a selected user. A number of credit value block records are associated in the database with the account identifier. Each credit value block has a stored credit value amount, and at least a second stored property indicator. In response to a measured amount of consumption of services by the user, at least one of the credit value blocks is debited by a debit amount based on the measured amount and the second stored property indicator. The stored property indicator may be a rate multiplier, or other factor indicating a different cost mode of online service, connection or usage.

Abstract: A telephony system that enables a user to personally his/her telephone number or numbers that can reach a particular handset and then change those numbers at will, or block certain parties from reach the handset. The handset also features a swipe slot so that a credit card can be inserted therein. A method of using a unique one time use credit card that is useless of a thief provides security to prevent fraudulent charges by non-authorized users.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.

Abstract: A pay telephone includes a keypad, a card reader, and a processor. The keypad receives input signals from a caller. The card reader reads identification data and speed dial numbers from a card received from the caller. The processor receives the input signals from the keypad and the identification data and speed dial numbers from the card reader, and concurrently validates the card using the identification data and initiates a telephone call using the input signals or the speed dial numbers.

Abstract: A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A method for providing a pre-paid telephone calling card services to a calling party initiating a voice-based connection to a called party telephone using an internet-based IP Phone process running on a personal computer. The method comprises initiating an A-leg connection between the IP Phone process and an internet gateway utilizing a computer network connecting the personal computer and the internet Gateway, establishing a telephone connection between the internet gateway and a SCP. Once this connection is established, the SCP transmits a request to the calling party through the IP Phone process to provide account and call information. The calling party responds with the requested account and call information using the IP Phone process. The internet gateway then transmits the information to the SCP using DTMF tones. The SCP responds by transmitting an account query from the SCP to verify account and balance information for the calling party.

Abstract: In existing “voice personal” ads, users are not charged for “browsing” the voice mail messages on the system. Consequently, a large percentage of users of the telephone lines required for such a system are using the system free of charge by merely browsing, which causes an uneconomic use of the majority of the lines. “Live connection systems” can charge for time on the system but require more expensive equipment and monitoring than a basic “voice personals” system, and so most newspapers utilize only the standard “voice personals” arrangement. There is therefore a need to increase the revenue of such voice personals systems by encouraging users to switch to a “live connection system”.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for detecting fraudulent calling card calls to predefined high fraud countries including a call-intercept system capable of verifying call identities in order to prevent fraudulent calling card use.

Abstract: A telephone calling account system, method, and card. The method typically includes determining a preexisting account designator of a preexisting account, creating a telephone calling account on a calling platform, and assigning to the telephone calling account the preexisting account designator of the preexisting account.