Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided that allows a point of sale device to capture the signature of a check writer at the time a check is presented for ACH processing. In accordance with another embodiment, a test can be made to compare optically read information from the face of a check against a negative database or a risk management database to reduce the risk of bad checks being processed by a merchant.

Abstract: Tools for facilitating the acceptance of personal checks and other presentation instruments. The tools, in some aspects, allow for preauthorization of a personal check (or other presentation instrument) prior to the merchant receiving the actual check, allowing a merchant, for example, to accept an order by phone, obtain details about the check that will be used to pay for the order, obtain preauthorization to accept the check, and arrange for delivery of the order. Upon delivering the order, the merchant can receive the check, and then obtain a full authorization to accept the check. The full authorization can be based primarily on the preauthorization, giving the merchant assurance that the check will in fact be authorized. In some cases, the tools of the invention also settle the check; in a particular aspect, the check can be settled without requiring the merchant to deposit the check.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided to detect fraudulent activity occurring during check processing. Such fraudulent activity can be detected for example by monitoring the electronic check imaging process and performing checks on the data to determine anomalous occurrences that are indicative of fraudulent transactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing preauthorization of check transactions are disclosed. In some check transactions such as ACH card transactions, the actual purchase amount is not known when the card is first presented to a merchant. Dispensing of gasoline for a fill-up is an example of such a transaction. Various embodiments of the systems and methods disclose preauthorizing such transaction before the actual purchase amount is known, and without placing a hold of the checking account corresponding to the card. In one embodiment, such preauthorization can be based on, for example, a likely purchase amount associated with the merchant. The actual amount, once determined, can be matched with the information used for preauthorization in various manners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively determining when and from what source to access information received from a demand deposit account (DDA) associated with a given check or other promissory payment transaction, as well as for selectively incorporating the DDA information into a risk assessment for the transaction. Information received from the DDA can include an indication of the existence of sufficient funds in the account (or lack thereof) to cover the check in question, as well as a current status code for the account. Use of the DDA information may be integrated into an overall risk assessment process performed for the transaction, such that the influence of negative factors in one part of the risk assessment may be mitigated by other factors in the risk assessment and such that overall effectiveness of the risk assessment is enhanced. Systems and methods for selecting an access path for accessing a DDA to settle a promissory payment are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a simplified risk assessment are provided. A historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments is maintained. A request is received from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment. The historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments is accessed and determination, based on the historical transaction value, of whether to authorize the financial transaction based on a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database is made.

Abstract: A risk system that performs a risk assessment of a financial transaction to obtain a first risk score, and based on first risk score performs post-score assessments by selectively utilizing various scoring models and databases. The post-score process re-assesses some of the borderline risks in order to capture beneficial transactions that may fail standard risk assessments that use a cutoff risk score to divide the transactions into either authorized or declined groups.

Abstract: A fraud detection system can be implemented by a check processor and a financial institution. The check processor can notify the financial institution proximate to the time a check is submitted to a merchant. The financial institution can then assess whether the check is suspicious and, if suspicious, contact the account holder to confirm that the account holder actually wrote the check. The financial institution can make direct contact with the account holder to confirm that the account holder is aware of the check writing activity.

Abstract: Tools for facilitating the acceptance of personal checks and other presentation instruments. The tools, in some aspects, allow for preauthorization of a personal check (or other presentation instrument) prior to the merchant receiving the actual check, allowing a merchant, for example, to accept an order by phone, obtain details about the check that will be used to pay for the order, obtain preauthorization to accept the check, and arrange for delivery of the order. Upon delivering the order, the merchant can receive the check, and then obtain a full authorization to accept the check. The full authorization can be based primarily on the preauthorization, giving the merchant assurance that the check will in fact be authorized. In some cases, the tools of the invention also settle the check; in a particular aspect, the check can be settled without requiring the merchant to deposit the check.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a simplified risk assessment are provided. A historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments is maintained. A request is received from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment. The historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments is accessed and determination, based on the historical transaction value, of whether to authorize the financial transaction based on a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database is made.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a simplified risk assessment for a promissory transaction when sufficient historical transaction information exists for the check writer. In an embodiment, a computerized method for determining authorization of a financial transaction comprises maintaining a historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments, receiving a request from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment, the proffered promissory payment having at least one transaction identifier, accessing the historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments, and determining based on the historical transaction value whether to authorize the financial transaction based a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database.

Abstract: A system automatically determines authorization of a financial transaction occurring through the presentation of a check card such as a demand deposit account (DDA) card. For a proposed financial transaction of a customer from a merchant having a membership program, the system obtains an indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The system determines an indication of risk for the transaction, based at least in part on the indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The financial transaction is authorized when the indication of risk is within at least one parameter.

Abstract: A risk system that performs a risk assessment of a financial transaction to obtain an initial risk score. Based on the initial risk score, the risk system performs at least one post-score assessment by selectively utilizing various scoring engines and databases. The at least one post-score risk assessment may include delaying the shipment of merchandise in financial transactions that are of marginal risk to thereby provide a check acceptance service with more time to further evaluate the financial transaction risks. Thus, marginally risky financial transactions that are likely to benefit the check acceptance service and a merchant that subscribes to the check acceptance service are authorized for increased profitability and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the post-score risk assessment may approve or authorize financial transactions that generally fail standard risk assessments that use a cut-off risk score to divide the financial transactions into either approved or declined groups.

Abstract: A risk system that performs a risk assessment of a financial transaction to obtain an initial risk score. Based on the initial risk score, the risk system performs at least one post-score assessment by selectively utilizing various scoring engines and databases. The at least one post-score risk assessment may include delaying the shipment of merchandise in financial transactions that are of marginal risk to thereby provide a check acceptance service with more time to further evaluate the financial transaction risks. Thus, marginally risky financial transactions that are likely to benefit the check acceptance service and a merchant that subscribes to the check acceptance service are authorized for increased profitability and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the post-score risk assessment may approve or authorize financial transactions that generally fail standard risk assessments that use a cut-off risk score to divide the financial transactions into either approved or declined groups.

Abstract: An original check identifier in MICR format includes separator symbols that do not appear on a typical computer keyboard. When a user is entering a check identifier from a computer or a telephone, the user is instructed to replace the separator symbols with replacement symbols that appear on a typical computer keyboard. The replacement symbols indicate the separation of fields within the check identifier, such as the routing number field, the account number field and the check number field. The entered check identifier with replacement symbols is parsed to distinguish the fields. After the fields are distinguished, the routing number, the account number and the check number of the check identifier are identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a point of sale device to obtain authorization from a customer to convert the customer's promissory transaction to a direct debit transaction. In an embodiment, the point-of-sale device prints an authorization form for the customer's signature.

Abstract: An original check identifier in MICR format includes separator symbols that do not appear on a typical computer keyboard. When a user is entering a check identifier from a computer or a telephone, the user is instructed to replace the separator symbols with replacement symbols that appear on a typical computer keyboard. The replacement symbols indicate the separation of fields within the check identifier, such as the routing number field, the account number field and the check number field. The entered check identifier with replacement symbols is parsed to distinguish the fields. After the fields are distinguished, the routing number, the account number and the check number of the check identifier are identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a simplified risk assessment for a promissory transaction when sufficient historical transaction information exists for the check writer. In an embodiment, a computerized method for determining authorization of a financial transaction comprises maintaining a historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments, receiving a request from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment, the proffered promissory payment having at least one transaction identifier, accessing the historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments, and determining based on the historical transaction value whether to authorize the financial transaction based a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database.

Abstract: A system automatically determines authorization of a financial transaction occurring through the presentation of a check card such as a demand deposit account (DDA) card. For a proposed financial transaction of a customer from a merchant having a membership program, the system obtains an indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The system determines an indication of risk for the transaction, based at least in part on the indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The financial transaction is authorized when the indication of risk is within at least one parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a point of sale device to obtain authorization from a customer to convert the customer's promissory transaction to a direct debit transaction. In an embodiment, the point-of-sale device prints an authorization form for the customer's signature.