Toll free calling account recharge system and method
A calling account recharge system, method, and device are provided. The device has an associated stored-value calling account, and typically includes a selector, a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network, and a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector. The recharge option is configured to cause the communications program to initiate a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account. The device may be configured to access the communication network via a toll-free gateway.
1. A wireless telephone device having an associated stored-value calling account, the wireless telephone device comprising:
a selector;
a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network; and
a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector, the recharge option being configured to cause the communications program to contact a recharge server of the recharge service and add a predetermined recharge amount to the stored-value calling account, and to initiate both a connection to the communication network and a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account.
2. The wireless telephone device of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined recharge amount is added to the calling account without further user input.
3. The wireless telephone device of claim 1 , wherein the fee for the predetermined recharge amount is billed according to information stored in a user profile on record with the recharge service.
4. A wireless telephone device having an associated stored-value calling account, the wireless telephone device comprising:
a selector;
a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network, the communications program including a telephone communications program and the communication network including the PSTN, and
a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector, the recharge option being configured to cause the communications program to contact a recharge server of the recharge service and to add a predetermined recharge amount to the stored-value calling account and to initiate both a connection to the communication network and a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account;
wherein the recharge option is an entry in a contacts list, the entry, upon selection, being configured to cause the telephone communications program to initiate a telephone call to the recharge service.
5. A wireless telephone device having an associated stored-value calling account, the wireless telephone device comprising:
a selector;
a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network; and
a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector, the recharge option being configured to cause the communications program to contact a recharge server of the recharge service and to add a predetermined recharge amount to the stored-value calling account and to initiate both a connection to the communication network and a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account;
wherein the communication program is configured to access a toll-free gateway in the communication network when communicating with the recharge service.
6. A method of recharging a stored-value calling account, comprising:
installing a recharge option in a wireless telephone device, the recharge option being configured to initiate a recharge transaction, in order to add calling units to a stored-value calling account associated with the wireless telephone device;
displaying the recharge option on the wireless telephone device;
receiving a user selection of the recharge option;
in response to the received user selection of the recharge option, contacting a recharge server of a recharge service and adding a predetermined recharge amount to the stored-value calling account, and both establishing a connection to a communication network and initiating the recharge transaction;
receiving information relating to a payment account for paying for the user-selected recharge option; and
applying fraud detection measures in association with the payment account, including assessing a risk level of the transaction by identifying any fraud indicators associated with the payment account, and determining whether the assessed risk level meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
7. A method of recharging a stored-value calling account, comprising:
installing a recharge option in a wireless telephone device, the recharge option being configured to initiate a recharge transaction, in order to add calling units to a stored-value calling account associated with the wireless telephone device;
displaying the recharge option on the wireless telephone device;
receiving a user selection of the recharge option;
in response to the received user selection of the recharge option, contacting a recharge server of a recharge service and adding a predetermined recharge amount to the stored-value calling account, and bath establishing a connection to a communication network at least partially via a toll-free gateway on the communication network; and initiating the recharge transaction.
8. A method of recharging a stored-value calling account, comprising:
installing a recharge option in a wireless telephone device, the recharge option being configured to initiate a recharge transaction, in order to add calling units to a stored-value calling account associated with the wireless telephone device;
displaying the recharge option on the wireless telephone device;
receiving a user selection of the recharge option;
in response to the received laser selection of the recharge option, contacting a recharge server of a recharge service and adding a predetermined recharge amount to stored-value calling account;
establishing a connection to a communication network;
initiating the recharge transaction;
receiving information relating to a payment account for paying for the user-selected recharge option; and
applying fraud detection measures in association with the payment account, including assessing a risk level of the transaction by identifying any fraud indicators associated with the payment account, and determining whether the assessed risk level meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold.