Abstract:
According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a memory and a processor is provided. The memory is operable to store information associated with a user account. The processor can receive a message indicating that a transaction associated with a card has occurred and receive a first input indicating that the transaction is fraudulent. The processor can receive a second input indicating that a report should be filed and present, on a display, a plurality of questions to determine whether the card has been stolen. The processor can receive a third input indicating an answer to each of the plurality of questions and present, on the display, an affidavit. The processor can receive a fourth input indicating the affidavit has been electronically signed and present, on the display, a confirmation message indicating that the report has been filed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates to a system for investigating fraudulent activity. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The growth in use of credit and debit cards has been met with a rise in fraud and theft. To improve the customer experience, merchants often relax security standards during transactions. As an example, a merchant may require only a credit card number, expiration date, and security code, but not evidence of possession of the actual credit card before allowing a transaction. As a result, a user may possess the physical credit card even though information associated with the credit card has been stolen. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with investigating fraudulent activities may be reduced or eliminated. 
         [0004]    According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a memory and a processor is provided. The memory is operable to store information associated with a user account. The processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and is operable to receive a message indicating that a transaction associated with a card has occurred. In response to the message, the processor can receive a first input indicating that the transaction is fraudulent. The processor can receive a second input indicating that a report should be filed and in response to receiving the second input, present, on a display, a plurality of questions to determine whether the card has been stolen. The processor can receive a third input indicating an answer to each of the plurality of questions and in response to receiving the third input, present, on the display, an affidavit. The processor can receive a fourth input indicating the affidavit has been electronically signed and in response to receiving the fourth input, present, on the display, a confirmation message indicating that the report has been filed. 
         [0005]    Technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure include reducing network traffic and improved fraud prevention. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system for initiating a fraud claim; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an interface of a device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an interface of a device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an interface of a device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of an interface of a device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an interface of a device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
         [0015]    The growth in use of credit and debit cards has been met with a rise in fraud and theft. To improve the customer experience, merchants often relax security standards during transactions. As an example, a merchant may require only a credit card number, expiration date and security code but not evidence of possession of the actual credit card before allowing a transaction. As a result, a user may possess the physical credit card even though information associated with the credit card has been stolen. 
         [0016]    The described system alerts a user on a device when a potentially fraudulent transaction has occurred or is occurring. The user may then use the device to alert the appropriate institution of the fraud and to initiate a fraud claim. In this manner, the device may reduce network traffic associated with fraud alerts and fraud claims. An example embodiment of the proposed system is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system  100  for initiating a fraud claim. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , system  100  includes a fraud alert module  110 , device  114  and network  120 . A user  112 A may be performing a transaction and a user  112 B may be associated with device  114 . Device  114  may alert user  112 B of a potentially fraudulent transaction and user  112 B may use device  114  to initiate a fraud claim. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, user  112 A may have stolen the information associated with user  112 B and uses that information to perform a transaction. For example, user  112 A may have stolen the credit card or debit card information of user  112 B and attempts to make an online purchase using that information. In some instances, the purchase by user  112 A may be approved and user  112 B will be asked to pay for the purchase. In response to being asked to pay for the purchase, user  112 B may use device  114  to initiate a fraud claim and/or challenge the transaction. In other instances, user  112 B may be asked to verify the transaction before the purchase is approved. System  100  may provide user  112 B a way to verify the transaction and to initiate a fraud claim. 
         [0019]    The transaction information is communicated through network  120 . Network  120  may facilitate communication amongst the components of system  100 , including fraud alert module  110  and device  114 . This disclosure contemplates any suitable network  120  operable to facilitate communication between the components of system  100 . Network  120  may include any interconnecting system capable of transmitting audio, video, signals, data, messages, or any combination of the preceding. Network  120  may include all or a portion of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public or private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or global communication or computer network, such as the Internet, a wireline or wireless network, an enterprise intranet, or any other suitable communication link, including combinations thereof, operable to facilitate communication between the components. 
         [0020]    Fraud alert module  110  may receive the transaction information and may determine whether the transaction is potentially fraudulent. Fraud alert module  110  may include a processor  111 , a memory  115  and any other appropriate hardware and/or software to determine whether a transaction is potentially fraudulent. Processor  111  and memory  115  may be similar and/or analogous to processor  132  and memory  134 . This disclosure contemplates fraud alert module  110  determining whether a transaction is potentially fraudulent in any appropriate manner. For example, fraud alert module  110  may compare the transaction information with stored transaction information  116  associated with user  112 B. If, based on the comparison, the received transaction information indicates a transaction that is unusual or not characteristic of user  112 B&#39;s regular transactions, fraud alert module  110  may determine that the transaction is potentially fraudulent. If fraud alert module  110  determines that a transaction is potentially fraudulent, fraud alert module  110  may communicate, through network  120 , a message  140  to device  114 . Message  140  may indicate the potentially fraudulent transaction. 
         [0021]    Device  114  may be associated with user  112 B. This disclosure contemplates device  114  being any appropriate device for sending and receiving communications over network  120 . As an example and not by way of limitation, device  114  may be a computer, a laptop, a wireless or cellular telephone, an electronic notebook, a personal digital assistant, a tablet, or any other device capable of receiving, processing, storing, and/or communicating information with other components of system  100 . Device  114  may also include a user interface, such as a display, a microphone, keypad, or other appropriate terminal equipment usable by user  112 B. In particular embodiments, device  114  may be configured to capture images. In some embodiments, an application executed by device  114  may perform the functions described herein. 
         [0022]    Device  114  may include a processor  132 , a memory  134 , a camera  136 , input  138  and a display  139 . This disclosure contemplates device  114  using one or more of these components to perform the functions and features described herein. For example, processor  132  may execute software stored on memory  134  to perform these functions. 
         [0023]    Memory  134  may store information associated with user  112 B. Memory  134  may store user account information  135  associated with user  112 B. User account information  135  may include one or more usernames, password, credit card numbers, expiration dates, and/or any other appropriate information associated with a user account. Memory  134  may also store software  137  executable by processor  132 . Software  137  may include instructions executable by processor  132  to perform any function described herein. For example, software  137  may be executed by processor  132  to initiate a fraud claim. 
         [0024]    Memory  134  may store, either permanently or temporarily, data, operational software, or other information for processor  132 . Memory  134  may include any one or a combination of volatile or non-volatile local or remote devices suitable for storing information. For example, memory  134  may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or any other suitable information storage device or a combination of these devices. The software represents any suitable set of instructions, logic, or code embodied in a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the software may be embodied in memory  134 , a disk, a CD, or a flash drive. In particular embodiments, the software may include an application executable by processor  132  to perform one or more of the functions described herein. 
         [0025]    Processor  132  may be communicatively coupled to memory  134 . Processor  132  may execute software stored on memory  134  to perform any of the functions described herein. Processor  132  may control the operation and administration of device  114  by processing information received from network  120  and memory  134 . For example, processor  132  may receive message  140 , photographs from camera  136 , and input from input  138 . Processor  132  may further present information, such as messages and questions, on display  139 . For example, processor  132  may present a message indicating that a potentially fraudulent transaction has occurred. As another example, processor  132  may present questions associated with a fraudulent transaction such as “Is your card still in your possession?” Processor  132  may include any hardware and/or software that operates to control and process information. Processor  132  may be a programmable logic device, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, any suitable processing device, or any suitable combination of the preceding. 
         [0026]    Camera  136  may be communicatively coupled to processor  132 . In particular embodiments, device  114  may use camera  136  to take photographs. For example, user  112 B may use camera  136  to take a photograph of a police report. The police report may then be submitted and/or communicated to help resolve a claim regarding fraudulent activity. This disclosure contemplates camera  136  including any appropriate hardware and/or software to take photographs. 
         [0027]    Input  138  may be communicatively coupled to processor  132 . Input  138  may be used to receive any appropriate user input. For example, user  112 B may use input  138  to confirm that a potentially fraudulent transaction was fraudulent. As another example, user  112 B may use input  138  to answer a series of questions regarding the transaction. Input  138  may include buttons, switches, touch screens, microphones, track balls and/or track pads. This disclosure contemplates input  138  including any appropriate hardware and/or software to receive user input. 
         [0028]    Display  139  may be communicatively coupled to processor  132 . Display  139  may be used to present images and/or messages. For example, display  139  may present message  140 , a series of questions, and a confirmation message to user  112 B. This disclosure contemplates display  139  including any appropriate hardware and/or software to present images and/or messages. 
         [0029]    System  100  may be used to communicate alerts of fraud and to initiate claims regarding fraudulent activity. In operation, when user  112 A attempts a transaction using stolen information, fraud alert module  110  may detect the potentially fraudulent transaction. For example, fraud alert module  110  may compare the transaction information with stored transaction information associated with user  112 B. Fraud alert module  110  may determine, based on the comparison, that the transaction is occurring at a location where user  112 B does not typically conduct transactions or that the transaction involves a dollar amount that is higher than transactions previously made by user  112 B. In response, fraud alert module  110  may communicate a message  140  to device  114  associated with user  112 B. Message  140  may alert user  112 B of the potentially fraudulent transaction. For example, message  140  may contain information associated with the potentially fraudulent transaction such as the name of a store and a dollar value. Device  114  may present message  140  on display  139 . 
         [0030]    User  112 B may use device  114  to confirm that the transaction is fraudulent. User  112 B may use input  138  to indicate whether the transaction is fraudulent or not. As an example, message  140  may include a request for user  112 B to confirm whether the potentially fraudulent transaction is fraudulent. When user  112 B sees message  140  presented on display  139 , user  112 B may press a button or touch a portion of a touch screen to indicate that the transaction is fraudulent. 
         [0031]    User  112 B may use device  114  to initiate a fraud claim. The fraud claim may involve filing a report. User  112 B may use input  138  to prompt the filing of a report. As an example, after user  112 B indicates that the transaction is fraudulent, device  114  may present another message to determine whether user  112 B wants to file a report associated with the fraudulent transaction. User  112 B may press a button or touch a portion of a touch screen to indicate that the report should be filed. After user  112 B indicates that the report should be filed, device  114  may begin the report filing process. 
         [0032]    As part of the report filing process, device  114  may present on display  139  one or more questions for user  112 B to answer regarding the report. For example, device  114  may present the question “is your card still in your possession?” User  112 B may then use input  138  to respond to the one or more questions. In this manner, device  114  may generate an appropriate report based on user  112 B&#39;s responses. As another part of the report filing process, device  114  may allow user  112 B to sign an affidavit associated with the report. For example, device  114  may present an interface that requests user  112 B to swear or affirm that the transaction is fraudulent or that user  112 B will assist with any necessary investigation associated with the transaction. Device  114  may present the affidavit on display  139 . User  112 B may use input  138  to electronically sign the affidavit. Device  114  may present a confirmation message on display  139  after the report has been filed. For example, device  114  may present a message on display  139  that says, “Your report has been filed.” 
         [0033]    In particular embodiments, device  114  may allow user  112 E to make a telephone call. For example, after device  114  receives message  140 , device  114  may present an option for user  112 B to call support regarding the potentially fraudulent transaction. During the call, user  112 B may gather additional information regarding the transaction that may help user  112 B determine whether a report should be filed. 
         [0034]    Device  114  may allow user  112 B to submit a police report associated with the potentially fraudulent transaction. User  112 B may use input  138  to indicate to device  114  that user  112 B will file a police report. After the police report is filed, user  112 B may use camera  136  to take a picture of the police report. Device  114  may then communicate the picture. In particular embodiments, device  114  may receive a request for the police report, and user  112 B may take the picture and device  114  may communicate the picture in response to the request. In this manner, user  112 B may send the police report to help resolve the fraud claim. 
         [0035]    After the report has been filed, device  114  may receive alerts associated with the report. In particular embodiments, the alert may be a push notification. Device  114  may then present the alert on display  139 . For example, device  114  may receive an alert that indicates that the report has been received, processed and/or resolved. As another example, device  114  may receive an alert that indicates the report is incomplete or requires more information. When user  112 B sees the alert, user  112 B may use device  114  to view the outcome of any investigation associated with the report or to supply additional information for the report. 
         [0036]    Additionally, user  112 B may use device  114  to check a balance associated with the user&#39;s account and to deposit a check into the user&#39;s account. For example, user  112 B may use input  138  to indicate that user  112 B wants to check the balance. In response, device  114  may present the balance on display  139 . As another example, user  112 B may use input  138  to indicate that user  112 B wants to deposit a check. User  112 B may then use camera  136  to take a picture of the check. Device  114  may then communicate the picture to the appropriate institution to deposit the check. 
         [0037]    In particular embodiments, system  100  may reduce network traffic associated with initiating a claim regarding fraudulent activity. For example, system  100  may provide user  112 B a streamlined process for initiating a claim regarding fraudulent activity, thereby reducing the amount of network traffic produced by user  112 B, for example, by needlessly checking for potentially fraudulent transactions or by submitting information associated with the transaction to different institutions. In certain embodiments, system  100  may improve fraud prevention. For example, system  100  may prevent user  112 A from using the stolen information multiple times. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 2 through 7  illustrate device  114  initiating a fraud claim. In particular embodiments, using device  114  to initiate a claim regarding fraudulent activity may reduce network traffic associated with such claims and may improve fraud prevention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a device  114  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, device  114  includes input  138  and display  139 . Device  114  may present a message  140  on display  139 . This disclosure contemplates device  114  displaying any appropriate message  140  on display  139 . 
         [0040]    Device  114  may present message  140  on display  139  in response to receiving message  140 . Message  140  may indicate that a questionable transaction has occurred. For example, message  140  may read “a questionable transaction was attempted. (See below). Did you attempt this transaction?” This disclosure contemplates message  140  being any appropriate message to indicate a potentially fraudulent transaction has occurred. 
         [0041]    Device  114  may also present additional information to user  112 B. For example, device  114  may present on display  139  the name of the store at which the transaction was attempted. As another example, device  114  may present a monetary value associated with the transaction. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , device  114  is presenting the name of the store and a fifteen dollar value associated with the transaction. In this manner, user  112 E may be presented with information to help determine whether the transaction is fraudulent. 
         [0042]    User  112 B may also use device  114  to indicate whether the transaction is fraudulent. User  112 B may use input  138  to indicate whether the transaction is fraudulent. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 2 , device  114  presents on display  139  the two options “Yes” and “No”. User  112 B may use input  138  to select “Yes” if the transaction is fraudulent and “No” if the transaction is not fraudulent. 
         [0043]    Furthermore, device  114  may present on display  139  an option to file a report. User  112 B may use input  138  to select the option to file a report. If user  112 B indicates that a report should be filed, device  114  may continue to generate the report. In particular embodiments, device  114  may present the option to file a report in response to user  112 B indicating that the transaction is fraudulent. The report serves as part of the claim regarding fraudulent activity in certain embodiments. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a device  114  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , device  114  may present on display  139  one or more questions associated with the transaction. Device  114  may use the responses to these questions to generate a report. In particular embodiments, device  114  may present the one or more questions in response to user  112 B indicating that a report should be filed. 
         [0045]    In the illustrated example of  FIG. 3 , device  114  is presenting the questions “Do you have the card in your possession?”, “Was it lost or stolen?” and “Will you be filing a police report?” As indicated on display  139 , user  112 B has responded that the card is in user  112 B&#39;s possession, that it was not lost or stolen, and that user  112 B will be filing a police report. User  112 B may have provided these responses using input  138 . In particular embodiments, device  114  may use these responses to generate a report. This disclosure contemplates device  114  presenting any appropriate question associated with the report and user  112 B supplying any appropriate response. 
         [0046]    Device  114  may provide user  112 B an option to make a telephone call. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 3 , device  114  presents on display  139  an option labeled “call support.” User  112 B may select the option to initiate a telephone call with support regarding the transaction. In this manner, user  112 B may gather more information associated with the transaction and/or resolve the transaction. This disclosure contemplates device  114  presenting the option to make a telephone call at any appropriate time. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a device  114  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , device  114  may present on display  139  an affidavit  410 . Affidavit  410  may ask user  112 B to swear or affirm that the transaction is fraudulent and/or that user  112 B will assist with any investigation associated with the transaction. In particular embodiments, device  114  may present affidavit  410  in response to receiving the responses to the one or more questions. User  112 B may use input  138  to electronically sign and/or execute the affidavit. As shown in  FIG. 4 , device  114  may provide a check box and/or a text box through which user  112 B may sign and/or execute affidavit  410 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a device  114  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , device  114  may allow user  112 B to upload an image. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 5 , user  112 B is using device  114  to upload a picture of a police report  510 . In particular embodiments, user  112 E may use camera  136  to take a picture to upload. For example, user  112 B may use camera  136  to take a picture of police report  510  and then upload the picture of police report  510 . Uploading the picture of police report  510  may help to resolve the claim regarding fraudulent activity. In particular embodiments, police report  510  may have been filed with the police separately by user  112 B. 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a device  114  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , device  114  may present on display  139  a confirmation message  610  indicating that a report has been filed. ln particular embodiments, device  114  may present confirmation message  610  in response to receiving an indication that affidavit  410  has been electronically signed and/or executed. Confirmation message  610  tells user  112 B that the claim regarding fraudulent activity has been initiated and/or that the report has been filed. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a method  700  using the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . Device  114  may perform method  700 . In particular embodiments, performing method  700  may reduce the network traffic associated with claims regarding fraudulent activity and/or improve fraud prevention. 
         [0051]    Device  114  may begin by receiving a message indicating that a potentially fraudulent transaction has occurred in step  705 . Device  114  may present the message on a display to alert a user about the transaction. In step  710 , device  114  may determine whether the transaction is fraudulent. In particular embodiments, device  114  may make this determination based on input from the user. For example, the user may press a button or touch a portion of a touch screen to indicate whether the transaction is fraudulent or not. If device  114  determines that the transaction is not fraudulent, method  700  ends. If device  114  determines that the transaction is fraudulent, device  114  may continue to step  715  to determine whether a report should be filed. In particular embodiments, device  114  may determine whether a report should be filed based on input from a user. If device  114  determines that the report should not be filed, method  700  ends. 
         [0052]    If device  114  determines that a report should be filed, device  114  may present a plurality of questions on a display in step  720 . The user may provide answers to these questions and device  114  may use these answers to generate the report. In step  725 , device  114  may receive a plurality of answers to the questions. Device  114  may then continue to present an affidavit on the display in step  730 . The user may sign and/or execute the affidavit and device  114  may receive the signature in step  735 . In response to receiving the answers and the signature, device  114  may generate and file the report in step  740 . After the report is filed, device  114  may present a confirmation message in step  745 . 
         [0053]    Although the present disclosure includes several embodiments, changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.