Presentation instrument with user-created pin and methods for activating

• US 7,896,252 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2007
• Issued: 03/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Western Union
• Original Assignee: Western Union
• Inventors: Cameron, Jennifer, Narlinger, Brett S., Martinez, Larry A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Seung H
• Assistant Examiner(s): JOHNSON, SONJI N
• Application Number:
  US11/746,521
• Publication Number:
  US 20070262160A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,392 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/381, 235/487, 235/493, 235/494, 380/278, 401/240.6, 401/240.1, 713/165, 705/14.1, 705/44
• US Class Current: 235/493
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 15/02 Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets B42D25/00 takes precedence; envelopes B65D27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for activating a presentation instrument using a computerized network. The method utilizes a presentation instrument package that comprises a greeting card and a presentation instrument. A package identifier on the greeting card is read and transmitted to a host computer system to indicate that the presentation instrument has been purchased. After being purchased, the package identifier may be detached from the greeting card and the presentation instrument may be removed from the greeting card. To activate the presentation instrument, an access code and a presentation instrument identifier obtained from the presentation instrument may be provided to the host computer system. Furthermore, the recipient may select a personal identifier to associate with the presentation instrument. The personal identifier may be transmitted to the host computer system for storage.

Claims

1. A method for activating a presentation instrument using a computerized network, the method comprising:

providing a presentation instrument package comprising a greeting card and a presentation instrument, wherein the greeting card is sealed in a closed position with a temporary seal whereby concealing and increasing security of the presentation instrument until the presentation instrument has been purchased;

reading a package identifier coupled to the greeting card and transmitting an identifier to a host computer system to indicate that the presentation instrument has been purchased, the identifier being configured to associate a status with the presentation instrument such that the status indicates the presentation instrument as sold after the identifier is transmitted to the host computer system, the status being further associated with a presentation instrument identifier, wherein the package identifier comprises a magnetic stripe removably attached to the greeting card;

swiping the magnetic stripe through a point-of-service (POS) device;

evaluating an expiration date associated with the presentation instrument at a time of sale of the presentation instrument, wherein evaluating the expiration date comprises evaluating an amount of time remaining before expiration of the presentation instrument;

transmitting from the host computer system a decline message if the amount of time is less than a certain time;

detaching the magnetic stripe from the package identifier from the greeting card, wherein the magnetic stripe is detached from the greeting card by tearing a score line;

breaking the temporary seal and removing the presentation instrument from the greeting card;

transmitting an access code and a presentation instrument identifier obtained from the presentation instrument to the host computer system to activate the presentation instrument such that the status indicates the presentation instrument as active after the access code and presentation instrument identifier are transmitted to the host computer system;

selecting a personal identifier; and

transmitting the personal identifier to the host computer system.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the greeting card includes a message.

3. A method as in claim 1, further comprising replacing the access code with the personal identifier at the host computer system.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the package identifier comprises a UPC symbol and an account identifier, and wherein the UPC symbol contains information selected from a dollar amount for the presentation instrument, a fee associated with the presentation instrument, and a type of presentation instrument.

5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the package identifier further comprises an account identifier associated with the presentation instrument identifier.

6. A method as in claim 1, further comprising a merchant confirming receipt of payment prior to transmitting the identifier to the host computer system.

7. A method as in claim 1, further comprising:

transmitting to the host computer system information on a payment vehicle used to purchase the greeting card; and

evaluating the information on the payment vehicle for fraudulent behavior.

8. A method as in claim 7, wherein the fraudulent behavior is based on a number of times the payment vehicle was used during a certain time period or a number of presentation instrument packages purchased with the payment vehicle over a certain time.

9. A method as in claim 1, further comprising accessing an interactive voice response (IVR) system, and wherein the access code, the presentation instrument identifier and the personal identifier are provided to the IVR system.