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Reducing Errors and Potential for Fraud
Good merchants know part of their responsibility to their customers is taking an active role in protecting any sensitive 
information collected during a transaction. Odds are, you, as a merchant, have taken great pains to ensure your employees are trained and are made aware of potential problems and pitfalls they should avoid. Here are a few tips that will help you further insulate your business and your clients’ sensitive information.
- As mentioned, you likely already have a procedure for training your employees. Be sure there are no vulnerabilities between what their training encompasses and what they’re walking away with in terms of knowledge. Consider refreshers to ensure they’re up to speed on all of the advances and features of not only the credit card processing equipment, but the credit card processing software as well. Taking a few minutes anytime an update is installed or changes are made will go a long way in keeping your day to day business operations running smoothly.
- Train yourself and your employees of the warning signs when a customer approaches. Of course, you don’t want to look at everyone with suspicion, but there are a few red flags the experts caution us on. These include those customers who make major purchases and who don’t ask the expected questions on warranty, return policy, etc. Also, those customers who come in and purchase items in bulk, but have no preference to sizes, pricing or styles, could mean nefarious activity. If a customer comes in and makes huge purchases and then returns later in the day and makes another large purchase could also signal trouble. Finally, if you offer free delivery for larger items and the customer refuses might be indicative of fraudulent activity. Keep in mind this isn’t always the case, but there’s a good chance there are less than noble activities going on.
- Be sure your credit card processing terminal is in good repair and your process as a whole is straightforward and streamlined. Remember FDIS is an industry leader in all things related to the credit card processing sector. We are always available to answer questions or provide assistance.
- For phone or internet credit card processing, be sure to get a phone number and email address and any other additional information that helps you identify the person you’re speaking with or the one who’s using your website.
These are just a few ways you can ensure your business is protected while also ensuring your customers are protected in the process. Keep checking back on the FDIS for future tips for keeping your business credit card processing efforts running smoothly.
