Single trick brake

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) comprising or consisting of a first communication device (101), a second communication device (103), a storage device (105), and a forwarding device (107). The storage device (105) is configured to store identification features (I) of external communication devices (Ex). The forwarding device (107) is configured to forward contact attempts from external communication devices (Ex) with the first communication device (101) to the second communication device (103), unless at least one identification feature (I) of the contacting external communication device (Ex) is stored in the storage device (105).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system according to claim 1 or according to the preamble or generic term of this claim.

[0002] The press reports on the so-called "grandchild scam" or "nephew scam," a fraudulent scheme in which con artists, using the telephone, but more recently also emails or messenger services, pretend to be close relatives of mostly elderly and / or helpless people in order to persuade them, under false pretenses, to hand over cash or valuables, which are supposedly necessary to avert further damage, usually for a family member ("grandchild," "nephew").

[0003] In Bavaria alone, victims were reportedly swindled out of millions in 2021 using scams such as the "grandchild scam" (source: Süddeutsche Zeitung).

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a system for protection against grandparent scams.

[0005] The problem according to the invention is solved by the system with the features of claim 1.

[0006] The present invention relates to a system which consists of, or comprises, a first and a second communication device, a storage device and a forwarding device.

[0007] The first communication device, such as a telephone or telephone line, is configured to be contacted, e.g. selectively or individually, by external communication devices, such as other telephones or lines which optionally do not belong to the system (hence "external"), for the transmission of content to the first communication device.

[0008] The storage device is configured to store identification characteristics of external communication devices.

[0009] The forwarding device is configured to forward or redirect contact attempts originating from external communication devices to establish contact with the first communication device (for example, via telephone call) to the second communication device. It can be configured to forward or redirect the contact attempt to the second communication device if a predetermined condition is met, or not, such as if at least one identifying characteristic of the contacting external communication device is not already stored in the storage device at the time of the contact attempt. A device for identifying the identifying characteristic of the contacting external communication device can be provided and, for example, be part of the forwarding device.

[0010] The system and / or its second communication device are configured to store at least one identification feature of the contacting external communication device in the storage device when the second communication device receives a contact attempt from the external communication device that has been forwarded or redirected by the forwarding device, or to cause the system or a component thereof, e.g., the storage device, to do so. The decision to perform or have performed such storage should preferably be made by the user of the second communication device. The request to the system to perform storage should preferably be made via the second communication device; corresponding configurations may be provided.

[0011] The first and second communication devices preferably differ in their identification features relevant for contact, for example, through or via an external communication device. For instance, they may be assigned different telephone numbers, they may participate in general email traffic using different email addresses, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, the first and second communication devices are preferably spatially separated from each other, in particular not in the same housing and / or not wired. Alternatively or additionally, they are assigned to different users, one or both of whom are human beings, are used by them (as an email program, telephone, computer), or belong to them (as a telephone, computer, etc.).

[0013] When the term "user" is used herein, it refers to a person who uses a communication device. This phrasing provides no information whatsoever regarding the gender or other characteristics of this person. The user of the second communication device could be a person, such as a family member of the user of the first communication device, a secretary, a professional contact or call answering service, or a device, such as an AI-powered program or a computer equipped with one.

[0014] The system discussed herein is the subject of the present invention and is therefore in accordance with the invention.

[0015] Embodiments according to the invention, based on any one of the independent claims, may include and / or consist of one or more of the features mentioned above or below. The features mentioned herein may be the subject of any combination of embodiments according to the invention, based on any one of the independent claims or a part thereof, provided that a person skilled in the art does not recognize a specific combination as technically impossible.

[0016] In all the above and all subsequent statements, the use of the expression "may be" or "may have" etc. is to be understood as synonymous with "is preferably" or "has preferably" etc. and is intended to explain embodiments according to the invention.

[0017] Whenever numerical terms are mentioned herein, the expert understands them to indicate a lower numerical limit.

[0018] Provided this does not lead to any contradiction apparent to a person skilled in the art, a person skilled in the art will therefore always interpret the expression "ein" or "einem" as meaning "at least one" or "at least one". This understanding is encompassed by the present invention, as is the interpretation that a numerical word such as "ein" can alternatively be meant as "exactly one", wherever this is technically feasible to a person skilled in the art. Both are encompassed by the present invention and apply to all numerical words used herein.

[0019] Whenever spatial terms such as "above," "below," "left," or "right" are used herein, a person skilled in the art understands this to mean the arrangement shown in the attached figures and / or in the operating state. "Below" is closer to the Earth's center or the lower edge of the figure than "above."

[0020] When the term “identifying feature” is used herein, it may be, for example, a landline or mobile phone number, a SIM card or an identification thereof, an email address, an IP address, an identification feature of communication hardware, and / or the like, which can be associated with the external communication device.

[0021] Advantageous further developments of the present invention are each the subject of dependent claims and embodiments.

[0022] Whenever an embodiment is mentioned herein, it refers to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, based on one of the independent claims, which is not to be understood as limiting.

[0023] If it is disclosed herein that the object of the invention has one or more features in a particular embodiment, it is also disclosed herein that the object of the invention expressly does not have precisely this or these features in other embodiments, which are also according to the invention, e.g., in the sense of a disclaimer. For each embodiment mentioned herein, the opposite embodiment, formulated, for example, as a negation, is therefore also disclosed.

[0024] Embodiments as disclosed herein further develop the invention as defined by the independent claim(s).

[0025] If process steps are mentioned herein, the system according to the invention is configured in some embodiments to perform one, several or all of these process steps, in particular if these are automatically executable steps, in any combination or to control corresponding devices, which preferably are named according to the designation of the respective process step (e.g. ‘determining’ as a process step and ‘device for determining’ for the device, etc.) and which may also be part of the device(s) according to the invention or be connected to it by signal connection.

[0026] When the terms "programmed" or "configured" are used herein, these terms may be interchangeable in some embodiments.

[0027] When this text refers to a signal or communication connection between two components, it can mean a connection that is already in use. It can also mean that preparations are underway for such a signal connection (wired, wireless, or implemented in any other way), for example, by coupling the two components, such as through pairing, etc.

[0028] Pairing is a process used in computer networks to establish an initial connection between computer units for communication purposes. The most well-known example is establishing a Bluetooth connection, which allows different devices (e.g., smartphones, headphones) to connect to each other. Pairing is sometimes also referred to as bonding.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first and / or the second communication device may be or include a telephone or other device for a voice call or voice message, e.g. a smartphone, a softphone, a landline telephone.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first and / or the second communication device may be or include a device configured or programmed by software to receive text messages, e.g., emails, SMS, etc., such as a smartphone, a softphone, a computer or a tablet.

[0031] In some embodiments, the identifying feature of the external communication device may be or include a telephone number, a mobile phone number, an email address, a social media contact, or a social media account. It may refer to a social media account, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system and / or its second communication device may be configured to store at least one identification feature of the contacting external communication device, preferably by means of or caused by the second communication device, in the storage device, preferably in a collection or list, here referred to as a whitelist, after receiving the contact attempt of the external communication devices forwarded to the second communication device by the forwarding device.

[0033] A whitelist (also called a "white list" or "positive list") acts as a filter, classifying the elements on the list, particularly identifying characteristics such as telephone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, etc., as safe and / or reputable. Contact attempts from an external communication device whose identifying characteristic(s) are found on this list could be forwarded or allowed through to the first communication device by the forwarding device without any issues. In this case, forwarding or redirecting the contact attempt to the second communication device may be considered unnecessary and can optionally be omitted.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system and / or its second communication device may be configured to store at least one identification feature of the contacting external communication device, preferably by means of or caused by the second communication device, in the storage device in a collection or list, here referred to as a blacklist, after receiving the contact attempt of the external communication devices forwarded by the forwarding device to the second communication device.

[0035] A blacklist (also called a "black or negative list") is the opposite of a whitelist; it acts as a filter that classifies the listed elements as untrustworthy and / or excludes them from certain functions or privileges. For example, contact attempts from an external communication device whose identifier(s) are found on this list could be immediately blocked by the forwarding device. In this case, forwarding or redirecting the contact attempt to the second communication device may be deemed unnecessary and can optionally be omitted.

[0036] Additionally, it may be possible to determine whether contact attempts that lead to an entry in the blacklist or have led to an entry in the previous time are forwarded to the second communication device despite their entry in the blacklist.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system and / or its second communication device can be configured to forward, via the second communication device, a contact attempt from the external communication device received by the relaying device, to the first communication device so that it can be received by the first communication device or its user. This can be useful if the user of the second communication device recognizes that the contact attempt from the external communication device, while possibly from a previously unknown person or using a new mobile phone, etc., is, for example,The second communication device is deemed safe by the user, for example, after a brief conversation with the user of the external communication device or after reviewing the message (email text, SMS text, etc.) transmitted from the latter to the first communication device. The external communication device can also be added to a whitelist, but this is optional.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system can be configured to pre-select and store potential identifying characteristics of external communication devices on a whitelist or blacklist according to predetermined criteria. These criteria can be specific to a group of external communication devices, such as foreign area codes, area codes outside the user's own state, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second communication device may be a machine configured to receive, respond to, and / or perform communication attempts from external communication devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, the forwarding device of the system may have the form and function of a box, for example similar to a router, which is arranged between a communication line such as a landline line of the first communication device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the forwarding device may be designed in the form of software, for example, an application such as a mobile app. The software may be programmed to forward a communication attempt, store an identification feature, and / or perform similar actions, particularly as described herein.

[0042] In some embodiments, the forwarding device may be implemented by means of software or computer program settings, for example, settings of a telephone system, email settings, settings in a messenger or the like, or may correspond to such settings.

[0043] Some or all embodiments of the invention may have one, several or all of the advantages mentioned above and / or below.

[0044] One advantage of the present invention may be that con artists can be intercepted and possibly exposed during contact with elderly and / or helpless and / or cognitively impaired persons.

[0045] By blocking contact attempts with relevant identifying characteristics, the frequency of harassment of elderly and / or helpless and / or cognitively impaired persons by con artists can be advantageously reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0046] By forwarding attempted contact attempts from fraudulent schemes to a trusted person who is aware of these types of scams, the frequency of these offenses can be significantly reduced and / or legal action can be initiated swiftly. In the best-case scenario, this can even contribute to the exposure of such schemes and lead to the fraudsters being held accountable and / or removed from circulation.

[0047] Although the main focus here is on protecting mostly elderly people from grandparent scam fraudsters, the present invention can also be advantageous if one wishes to protect adolescents from unwanted contact, whether via smartphone or email.

[0048] The present invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures. In these figures, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar components. The following applies: Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of the system structure in a first embodiment; and Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary sequence of a communication attempt by an external communication device using the system.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of the structure of system 100 in a first embodiment.

[0050] The system 100 comprises or consists of a first communication device 101, a second communication device 103, a storage device 105 and a forwarding device 107.

[0051] The first communication device 101, in the example of the Fig. 1, represented by a rotary dial telephone, for example a landline telephone, or alternatively a mobile phone, a smartphone, a computer, etc., is configured to be selectively or individually contacted by external communication devices Ex, not belonging to system 100, for the transmission of content to the first communication device 101. In the example of the Fig. 1 This could be, for example, a call from a mobile phone (as an example of an external communication device Ex) to the landline telephone (as an example of the first communication device 101).

[0052] The forwarding device 107 or another device of the system is configured to receive or intercept contact attempts from external communication devices Ex with the first communication device 101 and to verify at least one identification feature I ex the contacting external communication device Ex. Such a check can, for example, involve comparing the identification feature I. ex the external communication device with identification features stored in the storage device 105, for example a database. The identification features can be in a whitelist L W or a blacklist L B be stored. Checking can involve determining whether the identification feature I ex the external communication device is already on the whitelist L W or the blacklist L B was recorded, i.e. I ex ∈ L Wor I ex ∈ L B applies.

[0053] The forwarding device 107 is further configured, based on the result of the check, to forward the communication attempt of the external communication device Ex, e.g. a call, a message, an email, etc., either to the first communication device 101 or the second communication device 103, or alternatively to block the communication attempt.

[0054] Unless at least one identification feature I is present in the storage device 105 exIf the external communication device is stored or can be found, for example in the whitelist or blacklist, the communication attempt of the external communication device Ex is, in some embodiments, always forwarded to the second communication device 103. The forwarding device 107 can therefore also be understood or used as a redirection device in any embodiment.

[0055] The second communication device 103 can accept the communication attempt of the external communication device Ex, such as the call, the email, etc., and the user of the second communication device 103 can decide how to deal with the communication attempt at this moment and / or with later communication attempts from the same external communication device Ex, identifiable by the identification feature I. ex, to proceed. The user of the second communication device 103 can thus decide to use the communication device Ex or its identification feature I. ex , on the whitelist L W , on the blacklist L B , or, for example, after the user has responded substantively to the communication attempt, neither to be placed on the whitelist nor on the blacklist.

[0056] A communication attempt by the external communication device Ex, or the external communication device Ex itself, could be whitelisted, for example, if the user of the second communication device 103 determines that the user of the external communication device Ex is, for instance, the new family doctor of the owner of the first communication device 101. In the future, their calls should go directly and without involving the second communication device 103, which is assigned, for example, to the caregiver, son, daughter, etc., of the owner of the first communication device 101.

[0057] A communication attempt by the external communication device Ex, or the external communication device Ex itself, could be blacklisted, for example, if the user of the second communication device 103 determines that the user of the external communication device Ex wishes to offer services that are not, and will not be, relevant to the user of the first communication device 101, either now or in the future.

[0058] Neither a communication attempt by the external communication device Ex nor the external communication device Ex itself could be placed on the whitelist or the blacklist, for example, if the user of the second communication device 103 determines that the communication attempt by the external communication device Ex is justified or important, such as a call from the tax advisor, but also if future communication attempts by this external communication device Ex should better be received by the user of the second communication device 103.

[0059] The placement of the external communication device Ex on the whitelist and / or blacklist is therefore preferably not done automatically, but by instigation of the user of the second communication device 103.

[0060] In the example of the Fig. Solid arrows were chosen to represent contact attempts or call forwarding. The transmission of identification data between the individual components is represented by dashed arrows.

[0061] The example of Fig. The communication devices Ex, 101, 103 shown in Figure 1 are purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting. Each of the communication devices Ex, 101, 103 could, for example, also be a computer equipped with appropriate software or another type of communication device. The first and / or the second communication device 101, 103 could alternatively or additionally be or include a device configured or programmed by software to receive text messages (emails, SMS, etc.), e.g., a smartphone, a softphone, a computer, or a tablet.

[0062] The second communication device 103 can be configured to receive at least one identification feature I from the external communication device Ex after receiving a contact attempt forwarded to the second communication device 103 by the forwarding device 107. ex the contacting external communication device Ex in the storage device 105 as an identification feature I BL , I WL to store accordingly for future identification.

[0063] Fig. 2 an exemplary sequence of possible reactions of system 100, or with system 100, to a communication attempt by an external communication device Ex.

[0064] Reference is made to the description and the reference symbols for Fig. 1 referenced.

[0065] Step S1 represents the attempt to establish contact from the external communication device Ex with the system 100, in particular with the first communication device 101.

[0066] Step S2 represents the verification of the identification feature I ex , e.g. by means of the forwarding device 107, for example by clarifying the question of whether the identification feature I ex is stored in storage device 105. If this is not the case, then in step S3 the contact attempt of the external communication device Ex is forwarded to the second communication device 103 by means of the forwarding device 107.

[0067] Is the identification feature I ex If the storage device 105 is stored, then in a further step S4 it can be clarified whether the identification feature I ex an identifier on a whitelist L W corresponds (Iex ∈ L W ), or as an identifying characteristic already on a blacklist L B noted is (I ex ∈ L B ).

[0068] Will the identification feature I ex If the external communication device is identified as being on the whitelist, then in step S5 a forwarding to the first communication device 101 can take place.

[0069] Is the identification feature I ex If the external communication device Ex is already on the blacklist, either a forwarding to the second communication device 103 can occur (see S3) or, alternatively, the communication attempt of the external communication device Ex can be prevented, i.e., blocked. This is Fig. 2 shown with step S7.

[0070] If, in step S3, the contact attempt of the external communication device Ex was forwarded to the second communication device 103 by means of the forwarding device 107, the latter can determine in S6 whether an entry of the identification feature I is required. ex the external communication device Ex on the blacklist L B , the whitelist L W or none of these should take place. The communication attempt can also be forwarded to the first communication device 101 via the second communication device 103.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. These serve only for illustration. Reference symbol list 100 System 101 first communication device 103 second communication device 105 Storage device 107 Forwarding device External communication device I ex Identification feature of the external communication device L W Whitelist L B Blacklist

Claims

[1] system (100) comprising or consisting of - a first communication device (101) configured to be contacted by external communication devices (Ex) not belonging to the system (100) for the transmission of content to the first communication device (101); - a storage device (105) configured to store identification features (I ex ) external communication devices (Ex); - a second communication device (103); - a forwarding device (107) configured to forward or redirect contact attempts from external communication devices (Ex) with the first communication device (101) to the first communication device (101) and configured to forward to the second communication device (103) unless a predetermined condition is met, such as if at least one identification feature (I) is not present ex) of the contacting external communication device (Ex) is stored in the storage device (105); wherein the system (100) and / or its second communication device (103) are configured to, by means of the second communication device (103), after receiving, a contact attempt of the external communication devices (Ex) forwarded to the second communication device (103) by the forwarding device (107), generate at least one identification feature (I) ex ) to store the contacting external communication device (Ex) in the storage device (105), or to cause the system or a component thereof, e.g. the storage device, to do so. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first and / or the second communication device (101, 103) is or comprises a telephone, e.g. a smartphone, a softphone, a landline telephone. [3] System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or the second communication device (101, 103) is or comprises a device configured or programmed by means of software to receive text messages, e.g. a smartphone, a softphone, a computer, a tablet. [4] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification feature (I ex ) the external communication device (Ex) may be a telephone number, a mobile phone number, an email address, a social media contact or account, refers to a social media account, etc. [5] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (100) and / or its second communication device (103) are configured to, by means of the second communication device (103), after receiving, by means of the second communication device (103), a contact attempt of the external communication devices (Ex) forwarded to the second communication device (103) by the forwarding device (107), at least one identification feature (I) ex ) to store the contacting external communication device (Ex) in a whitelist in the storage device (105). [6] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (100) and / or its second communication device (103) are configured to, by means of the second communication device (103), after receiving, by means of the second communication device (103), a contact attempt of the external communication devices (Ex) forwarded to the second communication device (103) by the forwarding device (107), at least one identification feature (I) ex ) to store the contacting external communication device (Ex) in a blacklist in the storage device (105). [7] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (100) and / or its second communication device (103) are configured to forward, by means of the second communication device (103), after receiving, by the second communication device (103), a contact attempt of the external communication devices (Ex) forwarded to the second communication device (103) by the forwarding device (107), the communication attempt to the first communication device (101) for receipt by it or its user. [8] System (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the identification features are or are assigned to a specific external communication device or a group of external communication devices.

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