Method and apparatus for issuing prepaid e-cash and calling cards and method of using the same
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing, issuing, validating and implementing pre-paid cards to be used in e-commerce and telephone calling applications. In particular, the present invention includes a Prepaid Validation Device (hereinafter, “PVD”) for issuing prepaid cards, the PVD having a removable Memory Unit on which Personal Identification Numbers (“PINS”) are stored. The PINS are divided into PIN groups and uploaded to Memory Units by a Reseller of PINS. A database of PINS is stored in the Memory Unit, where the database is divided into several layers of PINS. Initially, the first layer of PINS is activated and the remaining layers are inactive and inaccessible. However, the remaining layers may be activated by placing an activation order and then accessed by an PIN unlocking procedure. The method of the present invention provides for instant, on-site issuance of pre-paid cards which are used in conjunction with a system over which a card holder may either place a telephone call or purchase goods and services from a variety of retailers at a single location, i.e., an Internet web site, through a single transaction.
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