Abstract:
A method and system that offers an identity theft prevention/detection service combined with a comprehensive victim assistance program. The identity theft prevention/detection service includes electronically monitoring an account associated with a customer for potential fraudulent activity. During the monitoring, potential fraudulent activity related to the account can be identified using fraud indicators. Once fraudulent activity is determined, the identity of the customer associated with the account can be verified. The verification can be done using information obtained from the customer with information obtained from the account associated with the customer. A credit report can be obtained and reviewed with the customer and a credit specialist. The credit specialist can be associated with a credit bureau or a commercial bureau. After reviewing the credit report, the case specialist can assist the customer in rectifying the fraudulent activity.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation in part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/933,261, filed Sep. 3, 2004, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/499,378, filed on Sep. 3, 2003. Each of the above-identified applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for providing assistance to victims dealing with identity theft. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention includes methods and systems that offer an identity theft prevention/detection service combined with a victim assistance program.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Identity theft is the unauthorized use of personal information such as name, address, social security number, date of birth and mother&#39;s maiden name to establish or assume credit under someone else&#39;s name. Identity theft manifests itself primarily in two ways: first, as a fraudulent application in which a new credit relationship is established using someone else&#39;s personal information; and second, through account takeover in which an existing credit relationship is assumed using someone else&#39;s personal information.  
         [0004]     Identity theft occurs through various means, for example, through increased availability of information online and elsewhere (mother&#39;s maiden name, passwords, etc.), illegal access to credit bureau information, illegal sale of information by trusted sources (governmental agencies, collusive employees, etc.), fraud scams that seek this information directly from consumers, acquaintance/family member who generally has access to a victim&#39;s personal information, and theft of information from an unlocked mailbox, stolen purse/wallet or discarded information in the garbage.  
         [0005]     Existing processes to assist victims of identity theft are primarily based on an institution&#39;s (e.g., a bank&#39;s) individual creditor relationship with the victim. Therefore, there are several different systems (even within an institution, such as between a bank&#39;s card business and banking business) whereby the victim has to work with different units in order to have his or her identity restored. For example, the victim would contact a particular unit of a bank to close a particular account. The victim is then transferred to another unit for another account, and even to a further unit that would provide victim assistance.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there is a need for a victim assistance method and system that provides victims of identity theft not only the capability of restoring their good name and credit-worthiness on an individual transaction, but also on the basis of their other creditor relationships.  
         [0007]     These exemplary embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the invention, but to provide examples of embodiments of the invention to aid understanding thereof. Exemplary embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description of the invention is provided there. Advantages offered by the various embodiments of the present invention may be further understood by examining this specification.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for identity theft prevention/detection service combined with a victim assistance program. The identity theft prevention/detection service includes electronically monitoring at least one account associated with a customer for potential fraudulent activity, identifying potential fraudulent activity related to the account based on one or more fraud indicators, verifying identity of the customer associated with the account, and reviewing a credit report with the customer and a credit specialist, wherein the credit specialist is associated with a credit bureau or a commercial bureau. The comprehensive victim assistance program includes assisting the customer to rectify the fraudulent activity. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system that offers an identity theft prevention/detection service combined with a victim assistance program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIGS. 2A-2C  (“ FIG. 2 ”) illustrate a flow diagram of a method that offers an identity theft prevention/detection service combined with a comprehensive victim assistance program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of a method that offers victim assistance to a victim of identity theft by a credit bureau in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the invention.  
         [0014]     Various systems in accordance with the present invention may be constructed.  FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system in which embodiments of the present invention can operate. The present invention may operate, and be embodied in, other systems as well.  
         [0015]     Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several figures.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a telephone network  106  which allows one or more customers  102 , e.g., a credit card customer, business card customer, or business customer, to communicate with one or more case specialists  104  and/or one or more representatives e.g., a credit specialist  108 , at a credit bureau (e.g., TransUnion) or a commercial bureau (e.g., Dunn &amp; Bradstreet). In one embodiment, the customer  102 , the case specialist  104 , and credit specialist  108  can participate together in telephone conference via the telephone network  106 .  
         [0016]     The system  100  includes a computer network  110  which allows the case specialist  104  and the credit specialist  108  to communicate electronically with each other and share access to data. In some embodiments, the computer network  110  comprises the Internet. In other embodiments, other networks, such as an intranet, WAN, or LAN can be used. The case specialist  104  and credit specialist  108  can access the computer network  110  via a processor-based device  112 .  
         [0017]     The processor-based device  112  can comprise a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) coupled to a processor. The processor executes computer-executable program instructions stored in memory. Such processors may comprise a microprocessor, an ASIC, and state machines. Such processors comprise, or may be in communication with, media, for example computer-readable media, which stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the steps described herein. Embodiments of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission device capable of providing a processor with computer-readable instructions. Other examples of suitable media include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, all optical media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read instructions. Also, various other forms of computer-readable media may transmit or carry instructions to a computer, including a router, private or public network, or other transmission device or channel, both wired and wireless. The instructions may comprise code from any computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.  
         [0018]     The processor-based device  112  can also comprise a number of external or internal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, a keyboard, a display, or other input or output devices. Examples of processor-based devices  112  are personal computers, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet appliances, and other processor-based devices. In general, a processor-based device  112  can be any type of processor-based platform that is connected to a telephone network  106  or computer network  110  and that interacts with one or more application programs. Processor-based devices  112  can operate on any operating system capable of supporting a browser or browser-enabled application, such as Microsoft® Windows® or Linux.  
         [0019]     Through the processor-based device  112 , the case specialist  104  can communicate over the computer network  110  with one or more server devices  114 ,  118 . Examples of a server device  114 ,  118  are servers, mainframe computers, networked computers, a processor-based device, and similar types of systems and devices. The server  114  can contain credit card files  116  (or credit information generally) associated with customers  102 . The credit card files  116  can include credit card information, for each credit card, issued by the credit card issuer, and is associated with a customer  102 . The credit card files  116  can include such information as transaction information, billing information, billing address, passwords, etc. The case specialist  102  can access the credit card files  116  on the server  114  via the computer network  110 . The server  118  can contain one or more credit reports or can generate credit reports  120  associated with a customer  102 . The case specialist  104  and/or the credit specialist  108  can access the credit reports  120  on the server  118  via the computer network  110 .  
         [0020]     The system  100  can include a fraud detection unit  122 , e.g., an early fraud warning system, which can monitor at least one credit card account or business card account, associated with a customer  102 , for potential fraudulent activity, e.g., suspicious activity. Monitoring suspicious activity can include, but is not limited to, reviewing all transactions, using authorization detection strategies to detect out-of-pattern spending and payments (e.g., multiple charges at the same location or for charges for the same goods, such as gasoline), reviewing changes to a customer&#39;s data (e.g., telephone number, mailing address), reviewing new applications filed, reviewing high risk transactions (e.g., involving address change and card request sent to a high risk zip code area or an overnight card request to alternate shipping address located in a high risk zip code area), reviewing high risk client checks requested by creditors and retailers that have a higher fraud rate based on historical details, monitoring Known Fraud Indicator System (KFIS) database records which include fraudulent addresses and phone numbers to see if a customer&#39;s data is changed to a fraudulent address or phone number, reviewing balance transfer check requests, investigating an account when a credit inquiry is requested by a collusive credit bureau subscriber, reviewing billing address/ship-to-address mismatch, etc. Monitoring can include monitoring account data changes that match a fraud indicator system, such as the Known Fraud Indicator System (KFIS), and industry data, such as, Issuer Clearing Service (ICS) alerts, and for new accounts, such as, New Account Processing System (NAPS). Monitoring can also be used to identify potential internal collusion and information security compromise issues, and monitoring suspicious applications, transaction activity, balance requests, and high risk requests. Account changes can be verified with the customer. The monitoring can be electronic monitoring or can be done by one or more individuals in conjunction with electronic monitoring. The monitoring services can be free or fee-based.  
         [0021]     It should be noted that the present invention may comprise systems having different architecture than that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, in some systems according to the present invention, the server devices  114 ,  118  can comprise a single physical or logical server. In other embodiments, the server devices  110 ,  114  can be single servers, a virtual server, multiple servers, etc. The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is merely exemplary, and is used to help explain the communication network and methods illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Moreover, methods according to the present invention may operate within a single computer.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary method  200  for assisting a victim of identity theft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary method is provided by way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out methods according to the present invention. The method  200  shown in  FIG. 2  can be executed or otherwise performed by one or a combination of various systems. The method  200  is described below as carried out by the system  100  shown in  FIG. 2  by way of example, and various elements of the system  100  are referenced in explaining the example method of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0023]     The method  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2  begins in block  202  with receiving a potential identity theft case. A case specialist  104  can receive a potential identity theft case from a customer  102 , from the fraud detection unit  122 , or other known methods. For example, a customer  102  can call a credit card issuer that issued the credit card which may be subject to a potential identity theft case The call can go directly to a case specialist  104  or can come from a customer service representative for the credit card issuer who transfers the call to the case specialist  104 .  
         [0024]     After receiving the case, the method  200  proceeds to block  204  where a determination is made whether to open a case. The determination can be based on whether the customer  102  meets criteria for being a victim of identity fraud. A case can be established or opened based upon the customer&#39;s belief that they may be a victim even if there is no initial proof to substantiate their concern. A case can be opened for a victim who is an existing customer of the card issuer or for a victim whose only relationship with the credit card issuer is through the fraudulent account in question.  
         [0025]     If the determination is made that the customer  102  is not a victim of identity theft, then the method  200  proceeds to block  206  where the case specialist  104  can answer any questions that the customer might have about identity theft and/or the case specialist  104  can send the customer a brochure on identity theft.  
         [0026]     If the customer  102  meets the criteria, the method  200  proceeds to block  208  where the customer verifies his or her identity. For example, the case specialist  104  can access a file associated with the customer  102 , e.g., a credit card file  116  and can verify the customer&#39;s identity using information from the customer&#39;s file. The customer&#39;s identity can be verified through known identity verification methods. If the customer  102  has verified his or her identity earlier in the call, e.g., to a service representative, then the customer identity verification can be skipped. Examples of identity verification can include a customer verifying account passwords or specific information from accounts, social security number origination location (location of issue), verification of a previous address, as well as other known techniques.  
         [0027]     After verifying the customer&#39;s identity, the method  200  proceeds to block  210  where the case specialist  104  describes the services offered by the card issuer and informs the customer  102  the approximate time required to complete the process. If the customer is interested but does not have time for the initial call the customer, the method  200  can proceed to block  212  where the customer is provided with a phone number and hours of operation for the unit, thus allowing the customer  102  to call back at a better time. When a customer  102  calls back in at a later time, the process can continue at block  208 .  
         [0028]     If the customer  102  is interested and has enough time, the method  200  proceeds to block  214 , where the customer information is collected. For example, the customer specialist  104  obtains information from the customer, such as, customer contact information (mailing address, home telephone number, work telephone number, and/or mobile telephone number, fraud account information and customer date of birth. The customer information can be saved, e.g., on the server  114 . A true password (a non mother&#39;s maiden name password) can be obtained from the client and established for the customer  102 . A password hint can also be obtained and established.  
         [0029]     After collecting customer information, the method  200  proceeds to block  216 , where a credit report for the customer  102  is reviewed, if permitted. For example, if a credit relationship exists, e.g., where the customer knowingly established such a relationship, the case specialist  104  accesses an on-line credit report  120 . The customer  102  and case specialist  104  review the credit report together. For example, the customer  102  and case specialist  104  can review new accounts, addresses and inquiries from the past 12 months to ensure that the bureau data is correct. The case specialist  104  can record any information that the customer  102  denies as being accurate, e.g., discrepancies.  
         [0030]     After reviewing the credit report with the customer, the method  200  proceeds to block  218  where a telephone conference between the customer  102 , the case specialist  104  and a credit specialist  108  is conducted and the credit report is amended, if permitted. For example, the case specialist  104  establishes a three way call with a credit specialist  108  from a credit bureau, e.g., TransUnion, or from a commercial bureau, e.g., Dunn &amp; Bradstreet. This can be accomplished using an established relationship and a dedicated phone line, e.g., dedicated phone number. Preferably, no voice recognition unit (VRU) is used, nor waiting and the transition to bringing the credit bureau online into the process is seamless for the customer.  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary method  300  for a credit bureau to assist a victim of identity theft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary method is provided by way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out methods according to the present invention. The method  300  shown in  FIG. 3  can be executed or otherwise performed by one or a combination of various systems. The method  300  is described below as carried out partially by the system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  by way of example, and various elements of the system  100  are referenced in explaining the exemplary method of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0032]     The method  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  begins in block  302  with the customer&#39;s identity being verified. For example, the credit specialist  108  can verify the customer&#39;s identity using a credit report  120 . For example, the credit specialist  108  can access a credit report  120  associated with the customer  102  and can verify the customer&#39;s identity using information from the credit report  120 . The customer&#39;s identity can be verified through known identity verification  
         [0033]     After verifying the customer&#39;s identity, the method  300  proceeds to block  304  where the credit specialist  108  can explain what will be done on the call and how it can affect the customer&#39;s credit report  120 . After explaining what can be done, the method  300  proceeds to block  306  where a review of the credit report can be performed by the credit report specialist  108 , the case specialist  104 , and the customer  102 . This review can cover a specified time period, e.g., a 12-month period. After reviewing the credit report, the method  300  proceeds to block  308  where inaccuracies can be disputed, e.g., disputed trades, inquiries and addresses can be placed into dispute with the credit bureau. After inaccuracies are recorded, the method  300  proceeds to block  310  where one or more items can be removed from the credit report, if permitted. After removing one or more items, the method  300  proceeds to block  312  where one or more fraud alerts can be placed on the customer&#39;s credit report  120 . The fraud alerts can be shared with the other credit bureaus. When the customer is the victim of a fraudulent application the fraud alert can last for given period of time, e.g., seven (7) years and can last for a given period of time, e.g., one (1) year for all other types of fraud.  
         [0034]     After sharing the fraud alerts with other credit bureaus, the method  300  proceeds to block  314  where at least one hard copy of the credit report to be sent to the customer  102  is requested. In one embodiment, if the address on file for the customer  102  is the same as the address being reported by the customer over the phone, each credit bureau can send a credit report to the victim at that address. If the address does not match, the credit bureau can send the customer a letter requesting additional written verification of the address provided by the customer over the phone prior to sending a hard copy of the credit report.  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 2  again, after the telephone conference, the method  200  proceeds to block  220  where the customer  102  is assisted in contacting creditors. For example, the case specialist  104  can assist the customer  102  in contacting creditors to initiate an account closure and investigation if the customer  102  has identified fraudulent inquiries or accounts reported on the customer&#39;s credit report  120 . If needed, new credit cards can be requested. If needed, a power of attorney can be established. The case specialist  104  can then interact with creditors on behalf of the customer  102 .  
         [0036]     After contacting creditors, the method  200  proceeds to block  222  where the customer  102  is provided with other contact information. For example, the case specialist  104  can explain to the customer  102  how to contact government agencies (e.g. Division of Motor Vehicles), law enforcement (e.g., police in order to file a police report) and any other party needed to resolve the disputed information.  
         [0037]     After providing additional information, the method  200  proceeds to block  224  where a temporary credit line increase can be arranged to assist the customer with emergency and necessary purchases while his or her account is being investigated, if needed.  
         [0038]     After establishing a temporary credit line increase, the method  200  proceeds to block  226  where a form letter can be provided to the customer for creditors such as mortgage companies. The form letter indicating that one or more credit card accounts are currently being investigated for fraud. This can be useful when the customer  102  is in the process of obtaining new line of credit.  
         [0039]     After providing the form letter to the customer  102 , the method  200  proceeds to block  228  where the customer  102  can be provided with the contact information and the hours of operation for the case specialist  104  handling the identity theft case.  
         [0040]     After providing information relating to the case specialist  104 , the method  200  proceeds to block  230  where a customized toolkit can be created and sent to the customer  102 . The toolkit can contain a summary of the initial conversation, the contact information of the dedicated case specialist  104 , a worksheet detailing the status of their case, impacted creditors and their contact information as well as other useful resources and their contact information such as government and law enforcement agencies. The kit can also contain a universal affidavit of fraud that can be sent back to creditors and a business return envelope for the customer  102  to send the affidavit and supporting materials back to the case specialist  104 .  
         [0041]     After sending the toolkit, the method  200  proceeds to block  232  where one or more credit card accounts associated with the customer  102  can be enrolled into a credit bureau monitoring service, if permitted. If a new trade, inquiry or address appears on the credit file of the dedicated credit bureau, an electronic notification can be sent to the case specialist  102 . The case specialist  102  can then verify the information with the customer  102 .  
         [0042]     After enrolling the customer  102  into a monitoring service, the method  200  can proceed to block  234  where the case specialist  104  can follow up with the customer periodically throughout the case. For example, the case specialist  104  can follow up with the customer  102  at the following intervals: (a) 14 days to ensure the receipt of the toolkit and bureaus; (b) 60 days to check on the status of account investigations and bureau resolution; and (c) 90 days to close the case if identity fraud issues have been resolved and no new disputed alerts are being received through the alert service.  
         [0043]     The method and system described above, enables a victim of identity theft to receive assistance to address the theft by using, preferably, a single case specialist  104  acting with or on behalf of the customer thus making it easier for the customer to recover from an identity theft incident. Additionally, this reduces the need for the customer to repeatedly explain his or her situation.  
         [0044]     Embodiments of the present invention have now been described in fulfillment of the above objects. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent those skilled in the art.