Enhanced pin-based security method and apparatus

摘要

A method and apparatus for reducing fraud is provided. For the purposes of the present invention, the HLR/VLR database is augmented through the use of a profiling database. The profiling database contains several system wide phone number lists. These lists define which numbers cannot be called from mobile sets operating in the wireless network. The lists also define which numbers can be called without using a PIN and which numbers always require a PIN. In addition to the system wide phone number lists, the profiling database stores an individual subscriber profile for each subscriber. Each individual subscriber profile lists the phone numbers that its associated subscriber may dial without using a PIN. When a subscriber dials a number that is not included in their individual subscriber profile, a PIN is required by a validation process. If the PIN is correctly entered, the phone call is allowed by the validation process and the number is added to the subscriber's individual subscriber profile.