Call Destination Reputation Indicators for Scam Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers are unable to ascertain the characteristics of call destinations before making a call, leading to unexpected charges and scams, as existing technologies lack effective mechanisms for providing information on call destination reputation and potential charges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provide call-destination information to callers through a processing unit linked to a call-destination information source, generating indicators based on characteristics such as reputation and charges, allowing callers to make informed decisions before connecting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caller ID and call blocking features are offered, then consumer protection against scams is improved, but the ability to provide useful information about call destination reputation remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reputation server as an intermediary component that mediates between the telephony network and consumers. This server collects, stores, and provides reputation information about call destinations, filling the information gap that caller ID and call blocking features alone cannot address. The reputation server acts as a mediator that translates complex reputation data into actionable consumer information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing reputation information about call destinations before consumers place calls. The reputation server proactively gathers data about call destinations, including scam patterns and consumer feedback, and makes this information available in advance so consumers can make informed decisions before initiating calls.
2Ease of operation
If telephony service plans provide unlimited domestic calling, then consumer convenience is improved, but consumers cannot anticipate charges for specific destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reputation server provides real-time or near-real-time information to consumers about the charging characteristics of call destinations. When a consumer intends to place a call, the system queries the reputation server, which returns information about whether the destination charges fees, allowing consumers to adjust their calling behavior accordingly while maintaining the overall unlimited calling plan structure.
3Measurement precision
If consumers make additional calls to regulatory agencies or consumer organizations to ascertain entity reputation, then information accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reputation assessment functions into a single integrated system. Instead of requiring consumers to separately contact regulatory agencies, consumer organizations, and other entities to gather reputation information, the reputation server consolidates these functions by collecting data from multiple sources and presenting a unified reputation assessment to consumers through a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically collecting, processing, and providing reputation information without requiring consumers to manually contact other organizations. The reputation server autonomously gathers data from various sources, processes it, and makes it readily available to consumers, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inquiry processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for use by a caller placing a call with a calling device over a communications network linking a plurality of call destinations. The system includes a call-destination information source containing one or more call-destination characteristics associated one or more call destinations. The system further includes a processing unit communicatively linked to the call-destination information source. The processing unit generates one or more call-destination character indicators based on the one or more call-destination characteristics. A call-destination character indicator is generated in response to the system receiving call-destination identifier that identifies a particular call destination.


