Patent attributes
The invention provides improved security for stored-value instruments. For example, a point-of-sale device may receive a request to process a transaction (such as an activation, redemption, funds recharge, etc.) with a presentation instrument. The point-of-sale device may receive a first identifier associated with the instrument. Merely by way of example, the first identifier may be encoded on a magnetic stripe disposed on the instrument, and receiving the first identifier may comprise swiping the magnetic stripe through a reader in communication with the point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device may also receive a second identifier associated with the instrument. In some embodiments, the first and second identifiers may be correlated, e.g., to determine whether they are consistent. Merely by way of example, the second identifier may be derived from the first identifier in a specified manner, and the correlation of the first and second identifiers may comprise determining that the second identifier comprises the properly derived information. If the first and second identifiers are successfully correlated, the transaction may be performed.
