Identity Verification System Using Truncated Personal Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with poor credit or without credit cards face difficulties in purchasing products or services, especially remotely, due to challenges in identity verification and account creation, which can lead to identity theft and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing accounts by obtaining a small set of personal information from an individual, such as the last four digits of their social security number, year of birth, and postal zip code, and verifying their identity through a database to facilitate account creation, updates, and credit extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of personal information is collected for identity verification, then the security against identity theft is improved, but the complexity of the verification process and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most critical identifying elements from the full set of personal information - specifically the last four digits of social security number, last two digits of birth year, and postal zip code. This extraction approach maintains sufficient verification reliability while dramatically reducing the time and complexity burden on consumers during account creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial verification by checking only a subset of personal information elements rather than requiring complete data sets. This partial action approach provides adequate identity verification without the excessive time and complexity costs of comprehensive background checks, resolving the contradiction between security and efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional credit card verification is required for remote purchases, then vendor security is improved, but accessibility for consumers without credit cards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identity verification system that mediates between the consumer and vendor. Instead of requiring direct credit card verification, the system uses the extracted personal information elements as an intermediary verification mechanism that provides sufficient security for vendors while being accessible to consumers without traditional credit cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional identification approach that works for consumers with credit cards, without credit cards, and across various purchasing scenarios including remote online purchases and local cash-only establishments. This universal system replaces the credit card-specific verification with a broader personal information-based approach.
3Ease of operation
If minimal personal information is requested for account creation, then consumer convenience is improved, but the risk of identity theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of identity verification by shifting from requiring complete personal information sets to using specific truncated elements (last 4 digits of SSN, last 2 digits of birth year, zip code). This parameter change maintains adequate security against identity theft while dramatically improving consumer convenience during account creation.
4Reliability
If multiple security-sensitive questions are asked during account creation, then unauthorized account creation is prevented, but consumer frustration and public embarrassment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential verification elements needed to prevent unauthorized account creation, removing the need for multiple security-sensitive questions that cause public embarrassment. By taking out only the critical identifying information elements, the system maintains security reliability while eliminating the frustrating public interrogation experience.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for managing an account for an unidentified individual by communicating with the unidentified individual who is using a device to communicate which transmits an identifier associated with the origin of the communication, obtaining from the unidentified individual a group of characters associated with the unidentified individual's personal information, comparing the group of characters to a database including a plurality of personal information associated with a plurality of individuals, identifying from the plurality of individuals one individual whose plurality of personal information includes the group of characters associated with the unidentified individual, and managing an account for the identified individual in an account database.