Systems and methods for verifying authorization for electronic commerce

US7769638B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• FIRST DATA CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Cassandra Mollett · Houston, US
• Alan Jay Bethscheider · Houston, US
• Susan Diane Brauckman · Katy, US
• David Walker · Leesburg, US
• David W. Smith · Saginaw, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 3, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0601
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Authorization verification systems and methods are described that determine whether an authorization check is to be performed in conjunction with an online purchase or other electronic commerce transaction, and, if the authorization check is to be performed, that check the authorization of an individual wishing to participate in the online transaction and that store a retrievable record of the authorization check. The system receives authorization information for the individual that is indicative of the individual's authorization to purchase a product or service online, or to otherwise participate in an electronic commerce encounter whose access is limited to authorized individuals. In one embodiment, authorization for making a purchase is limited to individuals above an age threshold, and the authorization verification system receives information relating to the individual's age via an electronic scanning of a driver's license or other identification card, or by other methods, and uses the birth date information to calculate the customer's current age. A record of the authorization can be stored and can subsequently be retrieved to verify that an authorization determination for th…