Method and device for preventing unauthorized use of credit cards
First Claim
1. A card for storing confidential information to be accessed by a card reader comprisinga magnetic strip permanently storing the confidential information on the card,means for retaining the magnetic strip in a disable state so that the confidential information permanently stored on the magnetic strip cannot be accessed by the card reader, andmeans for enabling the magnetic strip for a predetermined period of time so that the confidential information permanently stored on the magnetic strip can be accessed by the card reader.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An authorization card, such as a credit card, has a security feature. The authorization card generally has two operational states, a disabled state and an enable state. In the disabled state, which is the default mode of operation, access to confidential information stored on the card is denied. The card remains in the disabled state until a PIN code is entered on a keypad provided on the card. Once the card is enabled, access to the confidential information is permitted for a predetermined period of time, after which the card reverts back to the default disabled state. The security feature is implemented on a magnetic card, an electronic smart card, and passive electronic card.
405 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A card for storing confidential information to be accessed by a card reader comprising
a magnetic strip permanently storing the confidential information on the card, means for retaining the magnetic strip in a disable state so that the confidential information permanently stored on the magnetic strip cannot be accessed by the card reader, and means for enabling the magnetic strip for a predetermined period of time so that the confidential information permanently stored on the magnetic strip can be accessed by the card reader.
- 8. A method for securing confidential information stored on a magnetic strip of a card, the method comprising the steps of retaining the card in a disabled state during which the confidential information stored on the magnetic strip cannot be accessed and enabling a user to place the card in an enabled state for a predetermined period of time during which the confidential information can be accessed from the magnetic strip.
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12. A card for storing confidential information to be accessed by a card reader comprising
a magnetic strip for permanently storing the confidential information, at least one permanent magnet for inducing a magnetic disable field across the magnetic strip for retaining the card in a disable state so that the confidential information stored on the magnetic strip cannot be accessed by the card reader, and a keyboard having keys for entering a PIN code, entry of a correct PIN code enabling the magnetic strip for a predetermined period of time so that the confidential information stored on the magnetic strip can be accessed by the card reader.
Specification