Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for executing one or more financial transactions over a communication path for an account holder having an account associated with a permanent account number, where the permanent account number is deactivated for financial transactions over a communication path. A single use number associated with the permanent account number is issued, where funds authorized for transfer using the single use number are drawn from the account of the account holder. The single use number is inactive prior to the account holder requesting activation of the single use number. The single use number is then activated in response to a request for activation made by the account holder to activate the single use number.