Pre-Grant Publication Number: 20090006254
Virtual prepaid or credit card and process and system for providing same and for electronic payments
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Facilitator's Comment 
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I think the voice validation has already been at least covered by "Validating a transaction with user voice authentication using wireless communications" - United States Patent 7286813. Convergsys already offer a "On-Demand Voice Authentication Solution".
Regarding Claim 00001
Data sets that represent user functions such as pre=paid, debit or credit cards are well known in the art.In the Java Card technology such data sets are functionally represented as "applets" loaded onto a smart card.
For instance, US 6052690, claims a particular structure for representation of such a data set in order to facilitate it being processed in a secure manner. The description of this patent describes that such data sets can be found in terminals and smart cards as well as in the design of programs to handle such data sets.
having written the cited patent 15 years ago, I do not see an innovative step of making such data set independent of a medium.
Doing so, would, of course, loose any foundation for trust in the data in the data set representing a redeemable monetary value, as there is no guarantee of security in performing operations with the data set. This observation might lead to a conclusion of a lack of enablement.
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/visa_buxx.html
I looked at plastyc.com. There is a physical card issued for that service also.
They seem to be similar in that they are tied to a parent's credit/debit card and/or bank account.
I think your point in loosing trust in the data set without a medium is good.
Your patent covers claims made in this patent application.
In order for the patent office to consider your patent as prior art, the information and explanation of the applicability of 6052690 to this patent application's claims needs to be entered into the prior art section. The Patent Office does not see the Discussion section.
1) data set, free of physical substrate;
2) (memory of) transmitter/receiver to store the data set (for verification);
3) means for enabling user enrollment procedure;
4) means for securing the transaction by invoking the user enrollment procedure and checking the data set.
I feel that any online transaction method, lets say paypal for example, could colloquially be named a 'virtual credit card', as the steps 1-4, are in any case are standardized steps to ensure an authenticated transaction.
One advantage to this proposed process is convenience. The virtual cards are a cost effective, “green” alternative to plastic credit cards, and they use fewer resources. In addition, the biometrics can be used remotely (over the phone) instead of in person like a fingerprint scanner, allowing users to utilize the card in almost any geographic location. The card can also be used by a variety of consumers that did not previously have the ability to shop online. Teenagers who are unable to obtain a physical credit card can get a prepaid card. Because teenagers would be able to complete transactions online with a prepaid virtual card, businesses would be able to market to them more effectively.
The additional security of the virtual credit card services may alleviate consumers' fears of credit card fraud, making them more willing to make online purchases. The person making the transaction has to use the issuers phone and pin number to make a purchase which increase security; however, there are still other security issues with the virtual credit card. Initial registration is through a secure website where consumers enter personal information, including bank account information. This sensitive information is input on a website and is therefore susceptible to theft. In addition, the user's phone may be lost or stolen, consequently, a thief would have access to the virtual card. In addition, the virtual card does not alleviate problems associated with identity theft; if a thief gains access to a user's personal information, the thief could register for the virtual credit card using the stolen identity and their own personal phone and voice. In addition, unlike fingerprint scanning, voice responses can be recorded and played back to mimic the user. If the users voice data is compromised, it may be complex to replace since you can't just issues a new credit card with a new credit card number.
Although the patent provides useful alternatives to physical credit cards that can change how online firms do businesses and who they can market to, there are many security concerns with the proposal and we do not believe it should be issued a patent at this time. Information can still be stolen and replicated; additional security measures need to be added to provide a secure product.