7423results about "Unauthorised/fraudulent call prevention" patented technology

A wireless communication method and apparatus are described for increasing security for communication devices utilizing identification chips for accessing wireless networks and the associated billing for services. One aspect of the invention is an enhanced phone chip and a communications device adapted to engage the enhanced phone chip, which then cannot be installed or removed from the wireless communications device by unauthorized users. In one embodiment a security key mates to the identification chip and is utilized for installing and removing the enhanced phone chip. The security key preferably has a display upon which information about the communication device is displayed prior to removing the security key after installing the enhanced phone chip. Other aspects of the invention include wireless base station communication devices which support wired (dedicated and non-dedicated), and more preferably wireless extensions, while providing sharing of wireless network resources and interconnectivity between base station and extensions.

A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.

A method, and an apparatus performing the method, is provided by authenticating a mobile device communicably connectable to a wireless network by an authentication parameter from a secure transaction server (STS), as a mobile device authenticator; providing an STS correlation between a personal identification entry (PIE) and the mobile device authenticator; and inputting, by a user, the PIE and a provider action, to the mobile device authenticator to transmit a transformed secure user authenticable authorization request to the STS over the wireless network to authorize an action with a provider.

A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

A portable device includes a safety feature that prevents some forms of use when the device is moving. The device may detect its speed or movement, compare that to a threshold, and provide a response or blocking function upon exceeding that threshold. The device may be a cell phone configured to disable transmission and reception of voice / text, conceal its display screen, and disable incorporated features and functions, if the cell phone is moving faster than walking speed or the movement is uncharacteristic of walking. The blocking function may be partially overridden based on a safety policy, which can be managed and customized. The introduction of hands-free devices may serve to override a blocking function and enable other functions.

A system for controlling wireless phone usage enables a supervisor to establish user profiles for supervised users of wireless phones across a range of parameters which are stored in a user profile database. Such parameters may include one or more locations at which use of the wireless phone is restricted or permitted. In addition, restrictions on phone use may be provided based upon total phone usage within a specified control period, time periods, dates or days of the week during which phone use is restricted or permitted. One or more lists including numbers that are always-accessible may be provided and one or more lists including numbers that are never-accessible may also be provided. In the event a call does not satisfy predefined criteria, the call is blocked. Predetermined messages may be played to the called or calling party as applicable when a call is blocked. Boolean combinations of restrictions and permissive use criteria for the wireless phone may be specified to provide for flexibility when establishing use criteria for the wireless phone.

All-in-one wireless mobile telecommunication devices, methods and systems providing greater customer-control, instant-response anti-fraud / anti-identity theft protections with instant alarm, messaging and secured true-personal identity verifications for numerous registered customers / users, with biometrics and PIN security, operating with manual, touch-screen and / or voice-controlled commands, achieving secured rapid personal / business e-banking, e-commerce, accurate transactional monetary control and management, having interactive audio-visual alarm / reminder preventing fraudulent usage of legitimate physical and / or virtual credit / debit cards, with checks anti-forgery means, curtailing medical / health / insurance frauds / identity thefts, having integrated cellular and / or satellite telephonic / internet and multi-media means, equipped with language translations, GPS navigation with transactions tagging, currency converters, with or without NFC components, minimizing potential airport risks / mishaps, providing instant aid against school bullying, kidnapping, car-napping and other crimes, applicable for secured military / immigration / law enforcements, providing guided warning / rescue during emergencies and disasters.