Patent ID: 7427017

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for collecting bank account information from an individual and authenticating the individual prior to allowing the bank account to receive an electronic fund transfer, comprising: a) providing a website; b) allowing the individual to access the website; c) allowing the individual to enter bank account information on the website to which funds will be transferred; d) delivering application forms with a unique bar-coded identifier over the internet to the individual in response to step c); e) electronically receiving and storing the application forms after being completed by the individual and linking the bar coded identifier with the individual's bank account information; f) visually comparing by at least first and second customer support representatives information provided on the application forms with information provided at step c) to verify the identity of the individual, said comparing by the at least first and second customer representatives is done without knowledge of whether either customer representative has already verified the identity of the individual; and g) validating payment to the individual if the individual's identity is verified by the at least first and second customer support representatives at step f).