Patent ID: 8266058

Claim:
A computer-readable data storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor, such that execution of the computer program by the processor causes a method to be performed, the method comprising: receiving an alphanumeric identifier of a financial account having a current value; generating a plurality of virtual accounts, each virtual account having an alphanumeric identifier different from the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account; and, linking the virtual accounts to the financial account, such that financial transactions performed in relation to the virtual accounts result in changing the current value of the financial account, such that the virtual accounts themselves do not have a current value apart from the current value of the financial account to which the virtual accounts are linked, and such that performance of the financial transactions in relation to the virtual accounts does not expose the alphanumeric identifier of the financial account that would otherwise be exposed if the financial transactions were performed in relation to the financial account, wherein at least one virtual account has an account type identical to an account type of the financial account, and at least one other virtual account has an account type different than the account type of the financial account.