| 20090192889 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED CONTACT OF APPLICANTS - A system and method for preventing unauthorized use of sales leads. Application information is gathered from an applicant after the applicant views an Internet ad or other advertisement. The application information may include the applicant's e-mail address and phone number. At least one pseudo e-mail address or phone number is then created that identifies at least some of the application information and a potential purchaser of the application information. A unique pseudo e-mail address or phone number is created for each potential purchaser of the application information. The pseudo e-mail addresses or phone numbers and at least some of the application information are then provided to potential purchasers of the application information. Any communications sent using the pseudo e-mail addresses or phone numbers are initially directed to a mail server or phone system operated by or under the control of the entity that placed the advertisement. If a potential purchaser attempts to contact an applicant with the pseudo e-mail address or phone number without first paying for the application information, the e-mail or phone call is sent to the entity which generated the lead, not the applicant. Once a potential purchaser purchases the application information, communications made by the potential purchaser using the pseudo e-mail address are forwarded to the applicant's actual e-mail address. | 07-30-2009 |
