A SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING THE AUTHENTICITY OF A TRANSACTION EMPLOYING ELECTRONIC RECEIPTS

摘要

A digitized code signal representative of the signature of the purchaser is generated at the point of sale by the transaction terminal (36). This code signal along with the parameters of the transaction are stored (52) electronically. In the event that the customer questions the transaction, the financial institution (26) associated with the merchant (34) can generate a hard copy receipt which includes the parameters of the transaction as well as a representation of the signature of the purchaser. This hard copy receipt is then sent to the customer for validating the transaction. This eliminates the need to generate, transfer and store hard copy receipts unless they are specifically requested. At sale, transaction parameters are entered into an electronic cash register (38). A module (40) displays transaction data on a CRT (42). The module (40) may have a slot (46) for reading a magnetic stripe transaction card (22). Signature is effected with a light pen (44).