Security system and method for deterring, preventing, and/or tracking of theft of the use of goods and services, particularly fuel at retail fueling stations

Abstract

A system and method of preventing theft of the use of goods or services, particularly fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser, comprised of providing a security system including a controller, a card reader and/or fingerprint reader that is operable to read data stored within an identification card and/or fingerprint and to report the identification data and/or fingerprint data to the controller. A locking mechanism adapted to restrict access to the goods or services, wherein the locking mechanism is operable by the controller. The locking mechanism is engaged to restrict access to the goods or services until either payment is made, an identification card and/or fingerprint entered into the card reader and/or fingerprint reader, or both, by a user desiring access to the goods or services. The identification data on the card and/or fingerprint data from the fingerprint is verified in format and/or authenticity, and if verified, the locking mechanism is unlocked to allow access to the goods or services, such as fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.