Caller ID Sequence Markers for Fraud Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telephone systems struggle to authenticate the identity of callers effectively, particularly against fraudulent calls that spoof legitimate numbers, leading to ransom and other scams.

Innovation Solution

The integration of sequence markers into caller ID information allows for the tracking and verification of the sequential history of calls, enabling recipients to authenticate incoming calls and flag potentially fraudulent ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional caller ID systems are used to display caller information, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to spoofing fraud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaller ID displayVSAvoidcaller identity authentication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sequence markers as an intermediary element within the caller ID system. These markers serve as a mediator between the caller and recipient, providing verifiable authentication information without disrupting the conventional caller ID display functionality. The sequence markers act as a trusted intermediary that proves the legitimacy of the call origin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the caller ID information structure by adding sequence markers as a new parameter. This changes the conventional caller ID display by incorporating additional authentication data (sequence numbers) that can be verified by the recipient's system, thereby enhancing reliability while maintaining compatibility with existing display interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sequence markers are integrated into caller ID information, then the reliability is improved through call authentication, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall authenticity verificationVSAvoidcaller ID system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the caller ID information into distinct components: the conventional caller identification data and the sequence marker authentication data. This segmentation allows the sequence markers to be processed and verified independently without requiring complete system redesign, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sequence marker system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, working across different telephone systems and carriers. By creating a standardized authentication mechanism that can be implemented within existing infrastructure, the patent avoids the need for multiple specialized systems, thus controlling complexity while achieving reliable authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the sequential history of calls is tracked and verified, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time is worsened due to verification processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraud detection accuracyVSAvoidcall verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sequence markers are generated and embedded in the caller ID information before the call is established. This preliminary action allows the recipient's system to perform verification operations during call setup rather than during active communication, minimizing the time loss and ensuring fraud detection occurs before the recipient needs to engage with the caller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated electronic verification of sequence markers. Instead of requiring users to manually track call histories or contact carriers for verification, the system automatically validates sequence markers through electronic comparison, dramatically reducing the time required for fraud detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12309317B2System and a method of using sequential numbering to detect a fraudulent telephone call within a telephone system

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 PHISHFLAGGER INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method of verifying the authenticity of telephone calls from a caller to a recipient, the telephone calls having a caller's telephone number and recipient's telephone number, respectively, and an accessible field within the caller ID system for receiving content. The method includes the steps of first identifying the recipient for a call to be made by the caller. A current sequence marker for the recipient is then generated. The current sequence marker represents the next sequence identifier in a sequence of telephone calls between the caller and the recipient. The current sequence marker is then inserted into the accessible field of the caller ID information for the telephone call and the call is then placed to the recipient. Potentially fraudulent telephone calls are flagged for the recipient to help prevent telephone-based phishing and other phone fraud attempts. The content of the caller ID information within the accessible field may be visible to the recipient upon receiving a telephone call or other alert messages or warnings such as a text message, a differentiated right tone, colored lights, flashing lights, an audio signal, an audio message, or other means may be presented to the call recipient to warn them before the telephone call is answered.