Abstract: A mail processing system having a postal security device (PSD) that can be dynamically configured to support multiple customers and carriers is provided. Meter records are maintained at a data center. Each meter record includes information necessary to configure the PSD for a particular customer and/or a specified carrier. The data center provides a requested meter record to the PSD, which then is configured according to the meter record. Once loaded with a complete meter record, the PSD will function as a traditional PSD and mail processing can be performed by the mail processing system using the configured PSD. All accounting takes place locally in the PSD, and all records maintained in the meter record are updated locally in the PSD. Upon completion of the mail run, the updated meter record can then be uploaded to the data center until the next mail run that requires the meter record.

Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with another aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: Program data and information associated with at least a consumer commodity that appears in a program of the program data are synchronously transmitted. The program data and the information associated therewith are received. The received program data is reproduced. The reproduced data is displayed on a displaying portion. Information associated with one selected from a plurality of consumer commodities displayed on the displaying portion is extracted and displayed. The viewer can buy a consumer commodity at a store corresponding to the extracted information.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide methods and systems for generating and printing an identifier on a sheet of label stock that comprises a plurality of same-sized labels. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier would comprise an identification of a media type of the sheet of label stock, and would further comprise an identification of an orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, with respect to each label on the sheet of label stock. The orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, would correspond to an orientation selection by a user that ordered the labels (sometimes referred to herein as the “ordering user”).

Abstract: An approach for establishing secure communication among multiple multicast groups using a multi-master directory is disclosed. The multi-master directory is on a per object and per attribute access controls basis. The event service nodes, which can implemented as event servers, are distributed throughout an enterprise domain. The attributes of the event service nodes include the group session key and the private keys of the event service nodes. A standardized authentication service is used to register publishers and subscribers. These publishers and subscribers can individually belong to multiple multicast groups under a readily scalable, secure network architecture.

Abstract: In a method and system and franking apparatus for franking postal matter and for inspection of the franking, postage fees are stored and debited in electronic form, and a fee stamp and a machine-readable date stamp containing encrypted data are applied to the postal matter. In order to satisfy high security demands to be met at a low cost, and to allow realization on a standard computer with a printer without additional hardware, an individual date stamp, distinguishable from the date stamps generated for other pieces of mail is generated for each piece of mail and is applied to the piece of mail. An inspection for multiple employment of postage fees and/or date stamps ensues on the basis of the date stamp. This inspection includes comparing a date stamp to be inspected to previously used date stamps stored in a data bank. Defrauders thus can be identified who, without paying, attempt to generate frankings or to multiply employ frankings, for example by copying.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the performance of a networked mailing system having a plurality of metering systems includes determining in a first metering system that a cryptographic operation needs to be performed, and identifying a device coupled to the network that can perform the cryptographic operation faster than the first metering system. If a device has been so identified, the method further includes sending a request to the identified device to perform the cryptographic operation. If the request has been sent, the method includes receiving a response including processed data in the first metering system from the device. The processed data includes a result of the cryptographic operation being performed on the piece of data in question.

Abstract: A postage value exchange system and method provides for the improved generation of postage indicators. A meter requesting device sends a meter request to a postage security device (PSD). The PSD processes the request based on the identification of the requesting device and a comparison of available metering funds. If authorized, the PSD provides a meter response that includes an authorization. Based on this authorization, the requesting device may thereupon locally generate the postage indicator, eliminating processing and transmission overhead from the PSD generating these indicators.

Abstract: A method for controlling a postage metering system includes a mailer defining a first set of parameters for which the generation of postage evidence is authorized to be dispensed from the mailer's meter account. When a request for postage evidence is received, the request includes a second set of postage parameters. The requested postage evidence is generated only when each of the postage parameters in the second set matches one of the parameters in the first set. Alternatively, the first set of parameters defines parameters for which the generation of postage evidence is not authorized to be dispensed from the mailer's account, and the requested postage evidence will be generated only when none of the postage parameters in the second set matches one of the parameters in the first set.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a postage printing device that is to be registered by a registering entity having a public/private key pair. The manufacturing station has a manufacturing station public/private key pair. The method includes storing a root certificate comprising the registering entity public key signed by the registering entity private key in the postage printing device, generating a transport public/private key pair, and storing the transport private key in the postage printing device. The method also includes generating a transport certificate comprising the transport public key signed by the manufacturing station private key, and storing the transport certificate in the postage printing device, after which the postage printing device is set to a transport lock state so that it can be securely transported. Also, a method of registering a postage printing device manufactured in this manner prior to operation of the postage printing device.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and printing an indicium, such as a postal indicium, on an object such as a mail piece. A digital image of other printed material, such as an address block, on the object is obtained, and the image is processed to abstract characterizing information descriptive aspects of the other printed material. The aspects can be measurements of word lengths, counts of outliers in images of characters, or descriptions of the shape of the other printed material. The characterizing information is combined with other information, such as postal information, and the combined information is then cryptographically authenticated with a digital signature or the like. An indicium representative of the authenticated information is then printed on the object.

Abstract: In the method of handling mail items, while a mail item is on its first pass through the machine, the method consists in forming a digital image of the surface of the mail item, in deriving, from the image, a digital fingerprint characterizing the mail item, and in recording said digital fingerprint in a memory in correspondence with the bar code printed on the mail item. While the mail item is on its second pass through the machine, the method consists in reading the printed bar code that is printed on the mail item, and, if it has not been possible to extract completely the information contained in the printed code read off the mail item, in using said correspondence in the memory between the printed code that is printed on the mail item and the digital fingerprint that characterizes the mail item to continue machine-sorting the mail item, thereby contributing to reducing the error rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the generation of checkable forgery-proof documents with an externally supplied cryptographic module, whereby the checking of authenticity of the document is carried out without using key information belonging to the cryptographic module. According to the invention, the method and the device are characterised in that the cryptographic module is supplied with two types of data, even on supply from a communication partner which is cryptographically not trustworthy, which either remain in the cryptographic module or are attached to the document. The information remaining in the cryptographic module is used to secure the document information by means of a check value and the information transferred into the document serves to verify the securing of the document by the cryptographic module during a check of the authenticity of the document at a checkpoint.

Abstract: The invention makes it easier for the post office to calculate accurately terminal dues for business reply mail by providing information to the post regarding each piece of business reply mail that crosses an international border. The foregoing is accomplished by charging a sender's meter for business reply mail that is being deposited with a first carrier; transmitting the funds charged to the meter to a meter data center; transmitting from the meter data center to a first carrier meter payment center the funds attributable to the first and second carriers; and transmitting from the first meter payment data center to the second meter payment data center the funds attributable to the second carrier.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention facilitate in sending a package (112) to a customer at a physical address via a shipper (106) while preserving customer privacy. In accordance with an embodiment, an order is received from the customer (102). The order may include a unique identifier corresponding to the customer. A package (110) is sent to the shipper (106) in fulfillment of the order, the package including the unique identifier. Then, the customer's physical address is derive from the unique identifier and the package is delivered (112) from the shipper to the customer's physical address.

Abstract: A method and system for routing hardcopy mail is provided. Specifically, a recipient is assigned a unique identifier. The recipient can electronically designate a mailing address to be associated with the assigned identifier. A sender wishing to send the recipient a piece of hardcopy mail can obtain the recipient's identifier and affix the same to the piece of hardcopy mail. The identifier will be read and the piece of hardcopy mail will be routed to the recipient at the mailing address associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and system that protects against a replay attack in a closed system postage meter is provided. “Freshness” data is included along with each indicium message sent from the meter to the printer, thereby enabling the printer to detect “stale” indicium data, i.e., indicium data that was previously generated and is being replayed, and prohibit the printing of duplicate indicia. The freshness data includes a random nonce generated by the printer during initialization along with sequence data that the printer can verify against sequence data from the previous printed indicium. If in the current indicium message the nonce is different or the current sequence data is not greater than or equal to the sequence data from the previous printed indicium, indicating the current indicium data may have been previously generated and is a replay, the printer will not print the current indicium data.

Abstract: A method for authentication and identification uses different keys for the prover and the verifier, but on the other hand dispenses with the utilization of long number modulo arithmetic by the use of simple basic components such as, for example, arithmetic operations in finite bodies GF(2n). A private key is stored in the prover, so that the latter can receive, in encrypted form, data elements generated as random elements and can itself utilize them again as key for an authentication method of a data set to be transmitted. The verifier receives the authenticator thus formed and checks it. If the data set is generated by the verifier and transmitted to the prover, then this method can serve for the identification of the prover. The method is particularly advantageous in the area of smart cards, since there the required space in the hardware implementation can be considerably reduced.

Abstract: In a value dispensing system, a system and method for securely loading and executing software in a secure device that does not include any non-volatile programmable memory is provided. A non-secure portion of the value dispensing system stores software for loading into the secure portion when needed. Commands being sent to the secure printer are monitored to determine if the secure has the necessary software to execute the command. If the secure device currently does not have the necessary software to execute the command, the command is delayed and the proper software is loaded from the non-secure portion to the RAM of the secure device. A signature associated with the software is verified to ensure the authenticity of the software. If the signature is verified, the command is passed to the secure device, and, utilizing the software in the RAM, the command is executed by the secure device.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering alternative material to a designated recipient of a mail piece. A user system scans a mail piece to read an identifier affixed thereto. The system uses information in the identifier to access a database and download alternative digital material provided by a mailer. The alternative material is then delivered electronically to a designated recipient of the mail piece.

Abstract: A user-worn device 10a that is to be installed in user-worn equipment 30a that can be worn by a user, and a user device 20a that is to be installed in user equipment 40a to be used by the user are employed. The original information is divided and stored as a first information segment (1) and a second information segment (2) in the user-worn device 10a and in the user device 20a (with the original information), respectively. The user-worn device 10a sends the first information segment (1) and the user device 20a combines the second information segment (2) stored in its storage with the received first information segment (1), forming a third piece of information. The identity of the user is authenticated if the third piece of information matches the original information. Once the identity of the user is authenticated, the user device 20a permits the use of the user equipment 40a.

Abstract: A postage metering system for applying indicia including postage value on mail items, the system including: a keyboard for inputting information; a printer for printing indicia; an accounting module for accounting for postage value applied to mail items; and a security module for requiring a user to input an operating code prior to further operation of the system, the security module being configured to compare the input operating code with at least one stored valid operating code, and, where the input operating code and any stored operating code do not match, one or both of log data relating to such use and report such use to a security center.

Abstract: A mailing machine that optimizes throughput by reducing the amount of time necessary for the PSD to generate the digital signature and indicium for each mail piece is provided. The debit operation performed by the PSD, i.e., adjusting the PSD registers, is separated into three different sections, a pre-debit operation, a perform debit operation, and a complete debit operation. In addition, the calculation of the digital signature can optionally be pre-computed, or, alternatively, computed in stages, i.e., partial signature calculation. Utilizing this granularity, the cryptographic operations associated with generating the digital signature can be shifted between the three debit operations such that the execution time of the time critical portion of the debit operation (perform debit) can be optimized to meet the performance requirements of the mailing machine in which the PSD is deployed.

Abstract: A mailing list is created including destination addresses for mailpieces to be submitted to a carrier service for delivery. A unique mailpiece identifier associated with mailpieces on the mailing list is generated by the carrier or other trusted third party. The unique mailpiece identifier is printed on the mailpiece with which it is associated. The mailpieces with the printed unique identifier are submitted to the carrier service. The carrier service obtains the printed unique identifier from the mailpiece. The obtained unique identifier from each said mailpiece is utilized to verify that data associated with the mailpiece has been processed by the carrier or trusted third party. When the unique number has been obtained from the mailpieces, the carrier service, if desired, may note this fact in the carrier records to prevent reuse of the unique identifier.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of registration, logging into the system, and printing the VBI. In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a memory for storing information specific to a first computer used by the user for registering with the on-line system, wherein the information is used by the server system to identify the first computer and a re-registration wizard for requiring the user to re-register if a second computer used by the user is not the same as the first computer used for registering the user.

Abstract: A delivery service is operated using a method that receives a mail piece addressed to an entity. The mail piece includes postage indicia indicating an initial value. The delivery service determines a cost for delivering the mail piece to the entity. The delivery service modifies the postage indicia to indicate a remaining value wherein the remaining value indicates the initial value reduced by the cost for delivering the mail piece. The delivery service delivers the mail piece to the entity. The entity presents the postage indicia to the delivery service and the delivery service compensates the entity for the remaining value of the postage indicia.

Abstract: An address matching system that maintains a central database of valid addresses has been designed. According to the invention, address matching requests are received by the system from a plurality of remote users located at respective machines (“clients”). Those requests are processed at the central system, and the results are returned to the client that made the request. In addition, novel techniques are implemented for improving the likelihood of obtaining one or more matches from a request.

Abstract: An on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client subsystem for interfacing with a user, a cryptographic device remote from the client subsystem for authenticating a plurality of users, and a server subsystem capable of communicating with the client subsystem and having code for providing customer support to a user, for administering a user VBI meter, for providing payment administration support to a user, providing accounts receivable support to a user, meter refund and withdrawal processing support to a user, providing misprint processing support to a user, and providing payment processing and billing functions. A method implementing these features is also provided.

Abstract: An indicia authentication system includes a franking device for embedding identification and encrypted authentication data into indicia and applying the indicia to an article, and a computing device for utilizing the identification data to retrieve a key for deciphering the encrypted authentication data, where the computing device is adapted to utilize the deciphered authentication data to determine the validity of the indicia.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing and evidencing indicia by an indicia generating device is disclosed in a system having a plurality of indicia generating devices that have been divided into n groups. Each of the indicia generating devices generates and prints indicia on a media that is to be received at a plurality of establishments, wherein the establishments are associated with different geographic designations. The method and system include receiving a plurality of verification keys, wherein each one of the received verification keys is encrypted as a function of a respective geographic designation. A plurality of key IDs are also received, where each one of the key IDs is associated with one of the verification keys and is encrypted as a function of the same geographic designation used to encrypt the corresponding verification key.

Abstract: In a method for real-time registration having high protection against tampering by means of a security module, an encrypted initial security value for translog file analyzers is made available an unencrypted real-time message is secured by appending an authentication code that the security module generates by inserting a current security value into an algorithm for authentication code for each real-time message that is likewise employed by each translog file analyzer. The first security value is formed according to a first mathematical function known to the translog file analyzer that allows a derivation of following security values. The authentication code is formed according to a second mathematical function known to the translog analyzer that is applied to the real-time message and to the current security value and that serves for the verification of the real-time message.

Abstract: A postage metering system for applying indicia including postage value on mail items, the system including: a keyboard for inputting information; a printer for printing indicia; an accounting module for accounting for postage value applied to mail items; and a security module for requiring a user to input an operating code prior to further operation of the system, the security module being configured to compare the input operating code with at least one stored valid operating code and cause the printer in a printing operation to print an indicium having a zero postage value where the input operating code and any stored operating code do not match and printing of an indicium is requested.

Abstract: The present invention features an electronic component system. The electronic component system can be a computer system. The system includes a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system enables information to be communicated wirelessly between separate components of the system. The wireless communication system includes a dongle. The dongle has an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving information and an electrical connector for mating engagement with an electrical connector on at least one of the separate devices. The wireless communication system can utilize bluetooth wireless communication technology.

Abstract: A virtual postage metering system and method provides value added services corresponding to postage metering transactions. Funds are not stored at a user's site, reducing the risk of unauthorized modification of accounting balances. There is a database record of every mailpiece, thereby improving verification since all valid pieces are known. Furthermore, the present invention enables the Post to know the volume of mail to be processed prior to receipt of physical mail pieces. Since more mailer data is available (e.g. when users usually mail, how much mail per day, average postage amount) the virtual postage metering system enables the postal service to predict mail handling patterns. Additionally, users have the option to pay as they go which contrasts present systems in which funds must be on deposit prior to being downloaded to a meter although such downloaded funds may remain in the meter for weeks before being used.

Abstract: In a postage meter system (FIG. 2), a user enters information,indicative of a batch of mail pieces to be franked (30). The mail pieces are franked(31), and when the batch is completed, data relating to the batch are made the subject of a cryptographic engine(33). The data digitally signed, or a message authentication code (MAC) is derived, all in a postal security device (PSD)(32). The data are communicated(34), preferably by means of public-key cryptography(35). These data are then made available to the postal authority in a secure way.

Abstract: A method and system for a virtual stamp dispensing metering system is provided wherein indicia of varying values are calculated at a data center and downloaded to a mailing machine on a periodic basis. The mailing machine securely stores the indicia and dispenses the indicia as needed. At the end of the period, any unused indicia are returned to the data center, the user's account is credited, and a new set of indicia are downloaded to the mailing machine. Accordingly, the processing requirements of the meter are reduced, as there is no longer any need to generate digital signatures, an attacker is prevented from generating indicia indefinitely if the security of the meter is compromised, as the cryptographic key is not resident at the meter, and tracking requirements of the meter are reduced, as the meter alone can not be used to generate postage funds.

Abstract: A method of reissuing digital tokens in an open system meter includes the steps of calculating a digital token using the predetermined postal information including addressee information, postage amount and piece count; debiting postal funds by the postage amount; issuing the digital token for generation of an indicia; storing the digital token and the predetermined postal information as part of a transaction record in a transaction record file indexed according to addressee information; determining that an indicia generated from the digital token has not been successfully printed on a mailpiece for a particular addressee; and reissuing the digital token from the transaction record in the transaction file to generate the indicia for another attempt to print the indicia on the mailpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for postage stamp generation. The apparatus includes print module configured to print a customized image or text based stamp, and a communication module for receiving verification from a server. The apparatus may include a creation module for creating an image or text based stamp, and a selection module for selecting a stamp from a pre-approved selection of stamps. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a personal computer configured for postage stamp generation. Alternatively, the apparatus may include handheld electronic devices, notebooks, or the like. The system may comprise the apparatus, a verification server, and a printer operatively coupled to the apparatus. The method comprises selecting or creating a stamp, sending the stamp to the server for verification, receiving verification, previewing the stamp, purchasing the stamp, and printing the stamp.

Abstract: In an arrangement for accounting for consumption of a resource, e.g., utilization of a postal service or utilities, a data center (503, 803) periodically communicates with multiple franking systems (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) dispensing postage for the postal service utilization. The data center (503, 803) receives transaction records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), where a transaction record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) is associated with each transaction performed by the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) in each period. Each record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) includes at least the postage dispensed (305) in the associated franking transaction, and an ascending register value (307) indicating the cumulative postage dispensed. Using the received records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), the data center (503, 803) assesses the charges during the period and causes assessed charges to be charged to an account associated with the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n).

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A nonce stamp is a physical article that is relatively difficult to copy illicitly, and that bears a “nonce” number. The “nonce” is a relatively unique identifier, in that it is chosen from a distribution such that any given user/customer is extremely unlikely to obtain two nonce stamps bearing the same nonce. The method includes: presenting a nonce stamp having a nonce number; presenting a numbered digital certificate derived securely from the nonce number; and authenticating the transaction by comparing the number on the digital certificate and the nonce number. The digital certificate is typically obtained by users/customers in exchange for the purchase price of a desired transaction. The apparatus is an information-based indicium including a nonce stamp, and a digital certificate including a number derived securely from the nonce.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic franking machine comprising franking means and means for recording the number of franking operations. It comprises means for connection via a computerized communication network, to a central server of a computerized central control center, and means forming a computerized server adapted to transmit and receive computerized requests and responses for performing transactions with the central server, said transactions being selected among at least a resetting of the means recording the franking operations, a transfer of files constituting the records of the recording means and a franking cycle.

Abstract: For machine-producing a series of mail pieces with the aid of a system for assembling mail pieces, the system registers at least one property of at least one physical, postal item of a particular type, at least one code representing the registered property is generated and compared with at least one reference code, stored in a memory, which represents at least one item-type property. If the code representing the at least one registered property exhibits at least a defined extent of agreement with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, at least one setting code, associated with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, which represents a system setting is selected; and the production of a series of mail pieces is carried out in accordance with the selected setting code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting against a replay attack in a database system makes use of customer records including a counter, and freshness records that include the customer counters and a freshness record counter. The counter from the customer records, the customer records in the freshness records, and the freshness record counter are used by a cryptographic device together with a cryptographic device counter to verify the freshness of the customer record prior to updating the customer record with respect to a recent transaction.

Abstract: An electronic revenue stamp issuing apparatus and a method thereof and a recording medium stored a control program thereof, in which the amount of an electronic revenue stamp that became invalid can be used again as a possible amount to issue without any communication with a specified communication center, are provided.

Abstract: A transaction evidencing system includes a personal computer (PC) comprising a processor, memory and hard drive, with a plurality of non-metering application programs that selectively run on the PC. An unsecured printer is operatively coupled to the PC for printing in accordance with the non-metering application programs. A portable vault card that is removably coupled to the PC is programmed to generate tokens generation and perform transaction accounting. An application interface module in the PC, which interfaces with the non-metering application programs, issues a request for digital tokens in response to requests for indicia from a non-metering application program. A secure communications module in the PC, which securely communicates with the vault card when the vault card is coupled to the PC, sends the request for digital token to the vault card and receives a digital token generated by the vault card.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for authentication of mail pieces bearing bar-coded indicia. The system comprises first and second bar-code readers, the first and second bar-code readers differing in that the first bar-code reader has a lower rate of successful reading of bar-coded indicia than the second bar-code reader. The system collates a mail piece bearing an indicium in a second paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by said first bar-code reader, and collates mail pieces in a third paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the first bar-code reader. The third paper path leads to the second bar-code reader, and the system collates mail pieces in a fourth paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader. The system collates mail pieces in a fifth paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader.

Abstract: A method and system for checking a franking mark (28), comprising at least an identification code and a unique bit string, said system comprising means for: a) reading the franking mark (28), b) decoding the franking mark (28), c) checking whether the identification code is correct by comparing it to data stored in a memory (40), d) checking whether the unique bit string is valid by comparing it to data stored in said memory (40).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing confirmation and messaging relating to the distribution of a mail piece within a mailing system. Information including a mailer's address is included in a digital post mark or printed directly on the mail piece. During delivery of the mail piece, the information is read, and the mailer's address is captured. A message, which may include a mail piece image, a recipient response and physical image of a recipient, is sent to the mailer in accordance with read information.

Abstract: A method for recovering postage for metered mail pieces that have not been posted, the method includes: placing information that uniquely identifies the mail piece in a postal indicia ; storing the information that uniquely identifies each metered mail piece at a remote site; requesting a refund for a mail piece that has not been posted; determining if the information in the postal indicia that appears on the face of the mail piece that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site; and refunding the postage if the information in the postal indicia that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site.