Patent attributes
An electronic transaction verification system for use with transaction tokens such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, and smart cards that gathers and transmits information about the transaction token and biometric data. The system preferably has the ability to read or scan transaction and account information printed or encoded on the transaction token, digitally encode biometric data, scan drivers' licenses or other identification cards, and take a signature of a customer, all at a transaction location for purposes of account verification. The electronic transaction verification system preferably digitizes various indicia of the token, such as the magnetic ink (MICR) line on a presented check or the magnetic strip on a credit card or debit card, and transmits the transaction information data to a central processing system, at which the central processing system compares the inputted data with an existing database of information to determine if the customer at the point of the transaction is in fact authorized to use the account, and if the account is in satisfactory condition for approval of the transaction. The electronic verification system includes a biometric data device for recording and/or transmitting biometric data taken at the transaction location. The electronic transaction verification system can be used in conjunction with a transaction processing system to determine if the transaction instrument presented for payment is associated with an account established for an authorized user.
