Enabling improved protection of consumer information in electronic transactions

Abstract

Consumer information in electronic transactions is protected by avoiding disclosure of the consumer information to a merchant. In order to execute a transaction, the merchant forwards transaction data, i.e., an offer, to the consumer. In order to accept the offer, the consumer forwards a payment command to a service provider. The service provider selectively applies authentication before approving payment. Once payment is approved, the service provider forwards a payment instruction, including consumer account information, to a payment service. The payment service forwards payment to the merchant. Consequently, consumer information is not provided to the merchant. Further, the consumer need not necessarily provide any communication directly to the merchant. Payment confirmation may be returned to the service provider and, through the service provider, to the consumer. The service provider may also store information about each transaction performed by each subscriber. Storage of the transaction information by various devices facilitates the return process and adds marketing capability to the service provider.