Patent ID: 8468096

Claim:
A method for verifying an identity of a second person on behalf of a first person using a money transfer service provider, the method comprising: receiving, from the first person, by a money transfer computer system, verification criteria for confirming the identity of the second person, wherein: the money transfer computer system is operated by the money transfer service provider; the money transfer service provider is distinct from the first person and the second person; the first person and the second person are geographically separated; and the verification criteria specifies: a type of physical identification document that is acceptable to the first person, wherein: the second person must physically present an identification document of the type of physical identification document to the money transfer service provider; and a verification procedure that involves the identification document and must be followed to satisfy the verification criteria; and transmitting, by the money transfer computer system, the verification criteria to an associate location of the money transfer service provider; performing, at the associate location of the service provider, the verification procedure specified by the verification criteria using the identification document presented by the second person; determining, using the money transfer computer system, the identification document presented by the second person satisfies the verification criteria received from the first person; and notifying, using the money transfer computer system, the first person that the identity of the second person has been verified in accordance with the verification criteria received from the first person.