Methods and systems for verifying transactions

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for verifying authorisation of a transaction. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a request to process an electronic transaction for a predetermined amount of money ( 215 ); dividing the predetermined amount into a plurality of charges ( 225 ); providing the plurality of charges to facilitate debiting of a financial instrument with each of the plurality of charges ( 235 ); receiving information relating to the plurality of charges from a user of the financial instrument after debiting of the charges ( 245 ); and verifying the transaction only if the information is correct ( 255 ).

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A computer-implemented method for operating a computer authentication system to authenticate an identity of a person, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the steps of:
 receiving, via an interface of the computer authentication system, a request from an originator of said request to process a single electronic transaction for a predetermined amount of money, said request comprising data identifying a particular financial instrument that is desired for use in the transaction;   determining a first charge using a random number generator of the processor of the computer authentication system;   determining a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   causing, by the processor of the computer authentication system, said financial instrument to be debited with the second charge;   storing in a memory unit information relating to the second charge;   receiving, via the interface of the computer authentication system, information relating to the second charge from the originator of said request;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticating said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         46 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein determining the second charge comprises determining the second charge by subtracting the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         47 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein determining the second charge comprises determining the second charge by adding the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         48 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 45 , further comprising receiving, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         49 . The computer method of  claim 48 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person comprises storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         50 . The computer method of  claim 49 , wherein the method further comprises, in the memory unit, storing associated with said unique identifier one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         51 . The computer implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         52 . A computer authentication system for authenticating identity of a person, said computer authentication system comprising:
 a memory unit for storing data and program instructions;   an interface; and   at least one processor coupled to said memory unit, said at least one processor programmed to:   receive via the interface from an originator a request to process a single electronic transaction for a predetermined amount of money, said request comprising data identifying a particular financial instrument that is desired for use in the transaction;   determine a first charge using a random number generator;   determining a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   cause said financial instrument to be debited with the second charge;   store in the memory unit information relating to the second charge;   receive via the interface information relating to the second charge from the originator of said request;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticate said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         53 . The computer system according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to subtract the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         54 . The computer system according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to add the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         55 . The computer system of  claim 52 , said at least one processor is further programmed to receive, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         56 . The computer system of  claim 55 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to authenticate said identity of said person by storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         57 . The computer system of  claim 56 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to associate with said unique identifier in the memory unit one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         58 . The computer system of  claim 52 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         59 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing therein instructions that when performed by a processor to authenticate identity of a person, cause a computer authentication system to authenticate an identity of a person, the computer authentication system operable to:
 receive via the interface of the computer authentication system from an originator a request to process a single electronic transaction for a predetermined amount of money, said request comprising data identifying a particular financial instrument that is desired for use in the transaction;   determine a first charge using a random number generator of the processor of the computer authentication system;   determining a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   cause, by the processor of the computer authentication system, said financial instrument to be debited with the second charge;   storing in a memory unit information relating to the second charge;   receive, via the interface of the computer authentication system, information relating to the second charge from the originator of said request;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticate said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         60 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to  claim 59 , wherein the instructions further cause the computer authentication system to subtract the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         61 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 59 , wherein the instructions further cause the computer authentication system to add the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         62 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 59 , wherein the instructions further cause the computer authentication system to receive, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         63 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 62 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to authenticate said identity of said person by storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person, and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         64 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 63 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to store associated with said unique identifier in the memory unit one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         65 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 59 , wherein authenticating said identify of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         66 . A computer-implemented method for operating a computer authentication system to authenticate an identity of a person, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the steps of:
 receiving, via an interface of the computer authentication system, a request to authenticate said identity of said person by a single electronic transaction using a financial instrument for a predetermined amount of money;   determining a first charge using a random number generator of the processor of the computer authentication system;   determining a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   providing, by the processor of the computer authentication system, the second charge to facilitate debiting of a financial instrument with the second charge;   storing in a memory unit information relating to the second charge;   receiving, via the interface of the computer authentication system, information relating to the second charge, said information originating from a user of said financial instrument after the second charge has been debited to said financial instrument;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticating said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         67 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein determining the second charge comprises determining the second charge by subtracting the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         68 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein determining the second charge comprises determining the second charge by adding the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         69 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , further comprising receiving, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         70 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein the computer authentication system performing the computer-implemented method is provided with insufficient information to enable identification of said financial instrument. 
     
     
         71 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , comprising the further step of storing in the memory unit a currency exchange rate associated with said transaction. 
     
     
         72 . The computer method of  claim 69 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person comprises storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person, and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         73 . The computer method of  claim 72 , wherein the method further comprising, in the memory unit, storing associated with said unique identifier one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         74 . The computer implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         75 . A computer authentication system for authenticating identity of a person, said computer authentication system comprising:
 a memory for storing data and program instructions;   an interface; and   at least one processor coupled to said memory, said at least one processor programmed to:
 receive a request to authenticate said identity of said person by a single electronic transaction using a financial instrument for a predetermined amount of money; 
   determine a first charge using a random number generator;   determine a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   provide the second charge to facilitate debiting of said financial instrument with the second charge;   store in the memory unit information relating to the second charges;   receive information relating to the second charge, said information originating from a user of said financial instrument after the second charge has been debited to said financial instrument;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticate said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         76 . The computer authentication system according to  claim 75 , wherein said at least one processor programmed is further programmed to determine the second charge by subtracting the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         77 . The computer authentication system according to  claim 75 , wherein said at least one processor programmed is further programmed to determine the second charge by adding the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         78 . The computer authentication system of  claim 75 , wherein said at least one processor programmed is further programmed to receive, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         79 . The computer authentication system of  claim 75 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to authenticate said identity of said person by storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person, and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         80 . The computer authentication system of  claim 75 , wherein said at least one processor is further programmed to associate with said unique identifier in the memory unit one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         81 . The computer authentication system of  claim 79 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         82 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing therein instructions that when performed by a processor to authenticate identity of a person, cause a computer authentication system to:
 receive via an interface of the computer authentication system a request to authenticate said identity of said person by a single electronic transaction using a financial instrument for a predetermined amount of money;   determine a first charge using a random number generator of the processor of the computer authentication system;   determine a second charge based on the predetermined amount of money and the first charge;   provide by the processor of the computer authentication system the second charge to facilitate debiting of said financial instrument with the second charge;   storing in a memory unit information relating to the second charge;   receive information relating to the second charge, said information originating from a user of said financial instrument after the second charge has been debited to said financial instrument;   comparing said stored information to said received information; and   authenticate said identity of said person only if said stored information matches said received information.   
     
     
         83 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 82 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to subtract the first charge from the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         84 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 82 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to add the first charge to the predetermined amount of money to determine the second charge. 
     
     
         85 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 83 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to receive, via the interface of the computer authentication system, a name of the person associated with the financial instrument. 
     
     
         86 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 82 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to authenticate said identity of said person by storing in the memory unit a unique identifier for said person, the name of the person and the information relating to the second charge. 
     
     
         87 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 86 , wherein said instructions further cause said computer authentication system to store associated with said unique identifier in the memory unit one or more of:
 details associated with the financial instrument,   IP address of said person,   email address of said person,   phone number of said person,   electronic routable address of said person,   instant message address,   information relating to a device used by said person, and   Personal Identification Number (PIN) nominated by said person.   
     
     
         88 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 82 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for the purpose of signing a document, contract or record. 
     
     
         89 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein said information received from the originator of said request comprises the amount of each of the first charge and second charge each modified by a single currency exchange rate, and said method comprises the further steps of:
 converting, by the processor of the computer authentication system, each of the first charge and the second charge to a respective charge ratio by dividing each of the first charge and the second charge by the predetermined amount;   storing in the memory unit each of said charge ratios;   converting, by the processor of the computer authentication system, each of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge to a respective value ratio by dividing each of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge by the sum of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge,   wherein comparing said received information from the originator of said request to said stored information relating to the second charge comprises comparing said value ratios to said stored charge ratios,   wherein said received information matches said received information if each of said value ratios matches a respective said stored charge ratio within a predefined margin of error.   
     
     
         90 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein said received information received from said user comprises the amount of each of the first charge and the second charge each modified by a single currency exchange rate, and said method comprises the further steps of:
 converting, by the processor of the computer authentication system, each of the first charge and the second charge to a respective charge ratio by dividing each of the first charge and the second charge by the predetermined amount;   storing in the memory unit each of said charge ratios;   converting, by the processor of the computer authentication system, each of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge to a respective value ratio by dividing each of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge by the sum of said received amount of each of the first charge and the second charge,   wherein comparing said received information from said user to said stored information relating to the second charge comprises comparing said value ratios to said stored charge ratios,   wherein said received information matches said received information if each of said value ratios matches a respective said stored charge ratio within a predefined margin of error.   
     
     
         91 . A computer-implemented method of  claim 51 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for an electronic signature associated with said contract or record. 
     
     
         92 . A computer implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein said information comprises the amount of each of the first charge and the second charge that represent one time keys. 
     
     
         93 . A computer-implemented method of  claim 45 , wherein the method is applied to individual transactions. 
     
     
         94 . A computer-implemented method of  claim 74 , wherein authenticating said identity of said person is for an electronic signature associated with said contract or record. 
     
     
         95 . A computer implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein said information comprises the amount of each of the first charge and the second charge that represent one time keys. 
     
     
         96 . A computer-implemented method of  claim 66 , wherein the method is applied to individual transactions.