METHOD OF PREVENTING FRAUD
First Claim
1. A method whereby the identity of an individual or entity is verified, comprising:
- receiving identification information for an individual or entity, excluding a social security number;
checking the identification information against a database containing archived identification information;
indicating whether the identification information received is valid; and
changing the identification information after each said checking the identification information against the database containing archived identification information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An identification verification system designed to prevent identity theft and financial fraud. Individuals are given or select identification codes which replace the commonly used social security numbers (SSNs). In order to access an individual'"'"'s credit report or other financial records or open a credit account, the individual'"'"'s identification code must be provided. Individuals, therefore, no longer have to provide their SSN in order to verify their identity. An individual'"'"'s identity is verified only if the identification code submitted by the individual matches their identification code as found in a database. Individuals may choose to have their identification codes automatically changed periodically, or may choose to change their identification codes themselves as often as they wish. Identification codes are preferably changed upon each access to the individual'"'"'s credit report or credit account opening.
62 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method whereby the identity of an individual or entity is verified, comprising:
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receiving identification information for an individual or entity, excluding a social security number; checking the identification information against a database containing archived identification information; indicating whether the identification information received is valid; and changing the identification information after each said checking the identification information against the database containing archived identification information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A secure method of accessing an individual'"'"'s credit report, opening a credit account, or accessing other financial records comprising:
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assigning a one time use identification code to the individual, excluding a social security number; requesting the individual'"'"'s identification code; comparing the identification code submitted by the individual against a database of identification codes; and determining whether to verify the individual'"'"'s identity based on whether the identification code they submitted matches an identification code in said database. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An operating method for a new credit bureau, or similar institution, comprising:
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compiling or gaining access to the financial information of United States citizens, excluding a social security number; providing summaries, reports, detailed copies, or assessment scores of said citizens'"'"' financial information; and utilizing a secure method of accessing an individual'"'"'s credit report to provide identity verification services to its customers.
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Specification