Method and systems for providing a secure electronic mailbox

Abstract

A secure electronic mailbox is provided to a customer having an electronic account. The electronic account links the secure electronic mailbox to a physical address of the customer. The customer can send and receive secure and nonsecure messages via the secure electronic mailbox. The customer can also access electronic services such as electronic bill presentment and payment using the secure electronic mailbox.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 189,983 with a filing date of Mar. 17, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.[0002] A. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing electronic communications to a customer. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for providing an electronic account and other services to a customer by linking the customer's electronic address to a physical address where the customer receives physical mail.[0004] B. Description of the Related Art[0005] The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent government agency that provides mail delivery and other services to the public. The USPS is widely recognized as a safe and reliable means for sending and receiving mail. With the steady growth of electronic communication and commerce, consumers and businesses need a secure way to communicate and conduct business electronical...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Without trustworthy channels of communication, many potential participants in electronic commerce are unwilling to send sensitive information, credit card numbers, electronically, thus limiting the utility of electronic commerce to all individuals.

Furthermore, e-mail messages are also insecure, and can be intercepted communicate electronically need to know that their messages are private, and that they can rely on the address to correctly identify the sender and / or recipient.

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