System and platform for preventing and controlling fraudulent sales

Abstract

The present invention relates to a comprehensive system designed to prevent and control fraudulent sales, understood as any type of unlawful transaction, including the sale of counterfeit, stolen or illicitly acquired goods. This system assigns unique public codes to goods and services, linking them to registered owners and providing complementary secret codes that can only be accessed by these owners. This combination ensures the authenticity, traceability and security of the goods and services at any stage of their life cycle. The system allows owners to transfer ownership in a secure and authorised manner without the buyer having direct access to the secret code, thereby protecting the integrity of the process. In addition, it allows transfer authorisations to be delegated to third parties in a controlled and secure manner. During each transaction, the system automatically updates the ownership record, disables the previous secret codes and generates new unique secret codes for the new owner, thereby strengthening security and preventing duplications or fraud. The platform that supports the system can be implemented in both centralised environments, with a main data-management server, and decentralised environments using technologies such as blockchain to distribute and protect information. This technological flexibility allows the system to adapt to different infrastructures and operating models, thereby ensuring an effective implementation in a wide variety of contexts. The system is also widely applicable in sectors such as the consumer goods trade, the purchase and sale of used products, the pharmaceutical industry, the fashion industry, issuance of educational certificates, digital services management and event tickets, among others. The versatility of the system ensures that it is functional in both in-person and remote transactions, acting as a guarantor in these transactions in order to verify authenticity and oversee compliance with the purchase and sale

Description

[0001] Title of the invention

[0002] System and platform for the Prevention and Control of Fraudulent Sales

[0003] Technical field of the invention:

[0004] The present invention falls within the field of digital security and authentication systems, designed to control commercial transactions in both physical environments and digital platforms. The system is applicable to both physical goods and digital goods or services, ensuring their authenticity, traceability, and legitimacy.

[0005] Background:

[0006] In the current state of technology, fraudulent sales represent a significant problem affecting both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce. These fraudulent sales include any type of illegitimate transaction, whether through the sale of counterfeit goods or goods obtained illegally, such as theft. This problem generates substantial economic losses, erodes consumer confidence, and complicates business operations globally.

[0007] To address this problem, many current systems rely on external entities for the certification and validation of goods and services, such as SSL certificates or other third-party systems. However, this reliance introduces additional complexity to the verification process and does not guarantee operational independence, hindering direct and efficient control of transactions.

[0008] On the other hand, technologies such as NFC and RFID chips have been implemented for product identification and authentication. However, these technologies have inherent limitations: they require specific reading devices, which restricts their applicability in contexts such as e-commerce, where direct access to such devices cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, these solutions are strictly tied to physical goods, making them unsuitable for managing intangible assets or services, thus reducing their effectiveness in certain practical scenarios, especially in remote markets or global supply chains.

[0009] In contrast, the method described in this invention offers an independent, self-sufficient, and technologically adaptable solution. It overcomes the limitations of traditional systems by being applicable to a wide variety of identification technologies, such as serial numbers, QR codes, and barcodes (including AZTEC, CODE_39, CODE_93, CODE_128, ITF, EAN_13, EAN_8, PDF_417, UPC_A, UPC_E, DATA_MATRIX, MAXICODE, RSS_14, and RSS_EXPANDED), as well as biometric systems, among others. This flexibility allows its use in diverse industrial and commercial sectors, including, but not limited to, fashion, pharmaceuticals, digital services, educational diplomas, and event tickets.

[0010] Furthermore, the described system is designed to be adaptable to future classification and authentication methods, such as technologies based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, quantum cryptography, molecular marking or synthetic DNA, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This capacity for technological evolution ensures the system's relevance and applicability in the face of innovations, offering a comprehensive, scalable, and robust solution to prevent fraud, guarantee authenticity, and provide traceability across a wide range of scenarios and media.

[0011] Technical problem that it solves

[0012] The proposed system addresses the need to guarantee:

[0013] The authenticity of the products or services.

[0014] Traceability throughout the entire transaction chain.

[0015] Security in property transfers.

[0016] The exclusive association between each product or service and its owner.

[0017] System Details:

[0018] Every good or service, whether physical or digital, is associated with a unique pair of codes generated using high-security algorithms. These codes can be numeric, alphanumeric, alphabetic, composed of one or more parts, words, or combinations thereof. In the case of physical goods, public codes can be hosted in graphical representations, such as QR codes or data matrices; in encrypted formats associated with biometric data; printed or engraved directly on the surface of the good or its packaging; or stored on RFID chips or other embedded electronic devices.

[0019] The system creates a triple security connection comprised of:

[0020] Public code: Directly associated with the item, visible in graphic representations such as QR codes or data matrices, engraved on the surface of the item or its packaging, or stored in RFID chips.

[0021] Secret code: Accessible only to the asset owner. This secret code is cryptographic and ensures that only the legitimate owner can access specific and sensitive information about the asset.

[0022] Owner Registration: The system registers the owner as the sole legitimate proprietor of the asset, with the producer being the primary legitimate owner. This association ensures that any change of ownership is properly registered and authenticated, maintaining traceability and security in property transfers.

[0023] This triple connection ensures the authenticity and traceability of the asset, providing a robust and adaptable solution for the management of physical and digital assets.

[0024] In the case of digital products, the system associates the unique public code with immutable data, such as the timestamp, unique digital identifiers, or other intrinsic characteristics of the digital content. This association also includes the secret code, known only to the owner, and the identity of the registered owner, thus guaranteeing authenticity, traceability, and security throughout the entire lifecycle of the product or service.

[0025] Anyone can verify the legitimacy of the asset using the public code, allowing for simple, fast, and transparent verification of its authenticity. However, only the owner and / or authorized seller can transfer ownership, ensuring that all transfers are secure and verifiable. This unique association between the public code, the physical or digital product to which it is linked, the secret code known only to the owner, and the registered owner's identity guarantees unwavering traceability and security throughout the asset or service's lifecycle.

[0026] Management and validation platform:

[0027] The platform forms the core of the system, designed to operate in centralized or decentralized environments, and is responsible for storing, managing, and associating unique public codes, linked secret codes, and registered owner information. In a centralized implementation, data is managed from a main server, enabling centralized control and efficient access. In a decentralized environment, the platform distributes data management across a blockchain network or other distributed infrastructure, ensuring greater resilience to failures, immutability of records, and complete transparency in all operations.

[0028] The platform also offers the ability to verify the authenticity of goods or services in real time using connected devices, such as smartphones, QR code scanners, RFID readers or computers, ensuring a fast, reliable and secure interaction in any context of use.

[0029] Assignment and association:

[0030] The system assigns a unique public code to each specific good or service, which is physically and tangibly associated with the product. It also generates one or more secret codes linked to the same good or service, accessible only to the registered owner. This owner is associated with both the public code and the secret codes, establishing a unique and secure relationship that allows for the validation and authentication of ownership and the authenticity of the good or service.

[0031] In the case of physical products, the public code can be associated with and / or directly replaced by specific physical characteristics of the product, such as dimensions, weight, color, engravings or unique markers.

[0032] For digital products, the system associates and / or replaces public code with intrinsic attributes, such as timestamps, unique digital identifiers, or other relevant metadata.

[0033] The triple connection between public code, secret codes, and ownership ensures the authenticity and traceability of the asset, providing a robust and adaptable solution for managing physical and digital assets. The secret code acts as an additional security mechanism to guarantee that only the registered owner can authorize transfers or modifications related to the asset or service.

[0034] Secure Transfer Process:

[0035] The method stipulates that, in both in-person and remote transactions, the buyer does not have direct access to the cardholder's secret code. The cardholder, through the system, enables the sale or transfer to the buyer, without the latter needing to interact with or view the secret code. This ensures that the transfer process is carried out securely and under controlled conditions, preserving the confidentiality of the secret code.

[0036] Only the registered owner is authorized to transfer ownership of an asset or service. Occasionally, the registered owner may authorize third-party users to make transfers by assigning specific permissions through the platform. All transfers are recorded on the platform, ensuring traceability and preventing manipulation. Once the registered owner enables the transfer, the buyer must validate the transaction through the system, thus confirming receipt and the legitimacy of the asset. After this confirmation, the asset is formally transferred to the buyer, who becomes the new registered owner. This process ensures that the transfer is secure and verifiable at every step.

[0037] User authentication:

[0038] Account holders and authorized users must authenticate themselves using secure mechanisms that verify their identity before accessing the system or making transfers. These mechanisms ensure that only verifiable users can access the system and transfer goods or services, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

[0039] Both sellers and buyers need to use the platform to carry out their transactions. The platform ensures that:

[0040] Sellers: They must authenticate themselves to enable the sale or transfer of goods or services, ensuring that only the legitimate owner or an authorized user can perform this action.

[0041] Buyers: They must authenticate themselves to confirm and guarantee the transfer, ensuring that the acceptance of the good or service is done in a secure and verifiable manner.

[0042] These steps ensure that all parties involved in the transaction are legitimate and verified, providing an additional layer of security and trust in the process.

[0043] Examples of implementation

[0044] Example 1: In-person transaction

[0045] The buyer can verify the product's legitimacy using the platform, where they can view the unique code associated with the item to quickly and easily confirm its authenticity. Once the buyer has confirmed the item's legitimacy, the seller enables the transaction on the platform. After the seller enables the transaction, the buyer completes it through the platform. At this point, the platform updates the ownership record, deactivating the old secret code and generating a new, cryptographically secure, unique secret code accessible only to the new owner. This process ensures that ownership of the item is transferred securely and under controlled conditions.

[0046] The buyer, now the new owner, receives all rights associated with the asset, including exclusive access to the new secret code. This mechanism strengthens system security, guarantees the asset's integrity in future transactions, and protects the confidentiality of the codes.

[0047] Example 2: Remote transaction

[0048] In an online sales transaction, all goods listed on the platform are pre-verified and authorized. All sellers must confirm the legitimacy of the products offered for sale before listing them. The platform operates as an escrow system, guaranteeing that the goods offered meet the requirements of authenticity and legitimacy.

[0049] Once a buyer purchases an item, the platform verifies the product's authenticity and completes the transaction. If any irregularities are detected, the platform can process a refund for the buyer, providing an additional layer of security and trust.

[0050] The platform is fully integrable with existing e-commerce systems, performing a dual function as an authenticity certifier and escrow service provider, thus contributing to the security and reliability of digital transactions.

[0051] Advantages of the invention

[0052] • Eliminates the risk of fraudulent sales by ensuring that only the certified owner can transfer ownership.

[0053] • Provides complete traceability in all transactions, from the origin of the goods to their final destination.

[0054] • It increases consumer confidence in digital and physical commerce, ensuring the authenticity and legitimacy of the goods and services purchased.

[0055] • It allows controlled authorization of third parties to manage transfers, ensuring operational flexibility without compromising security.

[0056] • It offers technological flexibility, being applicable in both centralized and decentralized environments, and ensuring compatibility with different infrastructures and operating models.

[0057] • It effectively combats the trade in counterfeit and stolen goods, ensuring that all transactions through the system are legitimate. • It protects the interests of producers and manufacturers by ensuring that their products are identifiable, authentic, and not subject to counterfeiting or illicit distribution.

[0058] • It is widely applicable on platforms for buying and selling used products, guaranteeing the legitimacy, traceability and authenticity of goods during second-hand transactions.

[0059] • Facilitates active asset management in real time, allowing immediate disabling of products in cases of theft, loss or misuse, protecting both the producer and the registered owner.

[0060] • Ensures adaptability to emerging technologies and future authentication methods, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, quantum cryptography and biometric systems, guaranteeing the longevity of the system in the face of technological advances.

[0061] • It offers a comprehensive approach that benefits all stakeholders, from producers to end consumers, fostering a safer and more reliable business ecosystem.

Claims

Claims 1. System to prevent and control fraudulent sales, characterized by the assignment of unique codes to goods or services and their association to registered owners.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said unique codes are generated by high-security algorithms, and may be numeric, alphanumeric, alphabetic, composed of one or more parts, words or combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, which includes a platform for the management, verification and transfer of goods or services.

4. The system of claim 1, which guarantees the impossibility of duplicating a sale by continuously assigning new secret codes to the transferred products, ensuring the uniqueness and authenticity of each transaction.

5. The system of claim 1, in which only registered owners or users authorized by them may transfer ownership of a good or service.

6. The system of claim 1, which records all transfers made, maintaining a complete history of the product or service's life cycle, from its manufacture to its final destination.

7. The system of claim 1, characterized by its ability to adapt to any identification method, including but not limited to QR codes, NFC, RFID, barcodes (AZTEC, CODE_39, CODE_93, CODE_128, ITF, EAN_13, EAN_8, PDF_417, UPC_A, UPC_E, DATA_MATRIX, MAXICODE, RSS_14, RSS_EXPANDED) and biometric systems, ensuring its functionality in multiple present and future technologies.

8. The system of claim 1, characterized by the implementation of a multiple authentication system, which includes the simultaneous verification of the registered holder, the associated good or service and the unique secret code, guaranteeing triple secure authentication.

9. The system of claim 1, which guarantees the traceability and transparency of the quality chain of the product or service, offering unalterable tracking at each stage of its life cycle.

10. The system of claim 1, characterized by the ability of registered holders to disable in real time the validity of a good or service associated with the unique code, through the platform, allowing immediate invalidation in cases of theft, loss or any other circumstance that requires it.

11. The system of claim 1, characterized by its dual capacity to guarantee the legitimacy of transactions, both in face-to-face and remote contexts.

12. The system of claim 11, which allows the immediate transfer of ownership of the good or service in face-to-face transactions, ensuring that the change of ownership is recorded in real time at the time of sale.

13. The system of claim 11, which acts as a guarantor in distance transactions, supervising the purchase and sale process to verify the authenticity of both parties, guarantee the integrity of the good or service and carry out the change of ownership only after confirmation of compliance with the conditions of the transaction.

14. The system of claim 13, characterized in that the goods offered for sale in distance transactions are pre-certified and pre-authorized, ensuring that the buying and selling process is smooth, legitimate and fully traceable from the beginning of the transaction.

15. The system of claim 1, characterized by its applicability in sectors such as e-commerce, platforms for buying and selling used products, global supply chains and the issuance of educational certificates, guaranteeing authenticity and traceability in each of them.

16. The system of claim 1, characterized by its ability to integrate with existing e-commerce and business management infrastructures, providing authentication and transfer services without requiring significant modifications to pre-existing systems.

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