Elaine G Reed

US Patent:

59784598, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Dec 28, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/580207

Inventors:

Elaine Reed - Vienna VA
Kevin McMahon - Herndon VA

Assignee:

MCI Communications Corporation - Washington DC

International Classification:

H04M 1700

US Classification:

379145

Abstract:

A cost-efficient method that utilizes encryption techniques to prevent the unauthorized use of telephone customer calling card account and personal identification numbers (access codes), by electronic telephone network eavesdroppers and telephone company employees. The access codes are encrypted by the telecommunications carrier's access code collection device. The encrypted access codes are subsequently used instead of the clear-text access codes in all subsequent transmissions and subsequent processes that make use of access codes including billing and printing of calling card access codes.

US Patent:

55662340, Oct 15, 1996

Filed:

Sep 19, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/530067

Inventors:

Elaine E. Reed - Vienna VA
Cynthia A. Edge - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

MCI Communications Corporation - Washington DC

International Classification:

H04M 166

US Classification:

379188

Abstract:

A method for controlling telephone fraud of the type whereby a caller places calls or accesses services via unauthorized use of a credit card number or other authorization number. For such control, an initial call using the number and meeting a certain primary criterion (such as placement to a geographical area known to receive numerous fraudulent calls) is intercepted and it is determined whether or not that call is an authentic use of the number. If authentic, other calls are then allowed without interception, even though they may meet the primary criterion, unless or until a secondary criterion is met. Meeting the secondary criterion (which may relate to calling patterns indicative of fraud) also causes a call to be intercepted and a determination made as to whether the use is authentic. For interception due to either criterion, if the call is determined to be inauthentic, the authorization number may be removed from service. The result of the control method is a reduction in fraudulent calls, but with minimal discrimination against authentic uses of a calling authorization number.