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System and method for securing communication service

  • US 7,333,955 B2
  • Filed: 09/24/2002
  • Issued: 02/19/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for supplying stored value comprising the steps of:

  • distributing indicia of an identifier to a merchant for distribution to a customer having a pre-existing pre-paid customer account with a specific provider other than the merchant, the identifier having an associated stored value wherein the identifier is a predetermined identifier stored in a database prior to activating the identifier over a private network, the associated stored value redeemable with a plurality of providers including the specific provider, the indicia of the identifier having an indication of the providers with which the associated stored value may be redeemed disposed visibly thereon;

    activating at a central processor the identifier upon a distribution of the indicia to the customer, wherein the central processor is in selective communication with the merchant over a private network, the customer, and the plurality of providers;

    receiving at the central processor a request from the customer to add the associated stored value to the pre-existing pre-paid customer account;

    determining the specific provider and the pre-existing pre-paid account based on the request and the identifier;

    verifying by the customer that the correct specific provider and pre-existing pre-paid account has been determined; and

    adding at the central processor the associated stored value to the pre-existing pre-paid customer account based on the verification step.

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