Identityfraudresources.com

Posts Tagged ‘Card’



Tips for Businesses to Prevent Credit Card Fraud: Certified Payment Processing Suggests Loss-prevention Techniques

Carrollton, TX (Vocus) April 8, 2010

According to a 2009 study, credit and debit card fraud is a bigger concern for Americans than terrorism, computer virus, H1N1 flu and personal safety. (Source: Unisys Security Index: United States, March 2009) The same anxiety is probably shared by businesses who take credit and debit cards, since the fraud costs them money, time and valuable resources.

Merchants are the front-line of defense against credit card fraud. It may not be possible to totally prevent credit and debit card fraud, but setting up verification procedures can help cut down on potential losses. Staff should be trained regularly about preventing credit card fraud.

Certified Payment Processing, a leading provider of electronic payment equipment for purchases made by debit and credit cards, offers the following tips for businesses taking credit and debit cards:

1. Check the card. Most credit card fraud uses lost, stolen or counterfeited cards, so take a little extra time to examine crucial areas:

Compare signatures. Insist on a photo identification, then compare the name on the card with the additional customer ID.
Expiration Date. It takes just a moment, but make sure the card is still active.
Signature strip. Look for any evidence that it’s been altered. If it’s unreadable or smeared, it could be a forgery or might have been changed. Compare the signature on the card with the one on the additional ID.
Numbers on the card. Check for signs of tampering. Also, match the numbers on the back of the card.

2. Pay attention to the customer. Some fraud could be prevented by concentrating on a few key areas related to the person presenting the card:

Match the ID. There have been documented cases when the name on the card didn’t match the gender of the person presenting the card, but because no one checked, the fraudulent charge was recorded.
Unable to produce additional ID. Be suspicious if the customer has a credit card, but no other form of identification.
Appears nervous or hostile when asked for additional identification.
No wallet or purse. Most people carry their cards in a wallet or purse, so if the customer pulls the card from a pocket, that’s a good reason to check further.
Avoidance. If they hand the clerk a card and walk away, they could be trying to avoid being asked for additional identification.
Watch them sign the receipt. If they have to write very slowly, it could be a signal that they are trying to copy the signature.

3. Suspicious merchandize purchases. Staff should be train to watch for dubious questionable purchases/transactions that might indicate potential fraud:

Someone buying numerous expensive items of the same kind (e.g., four flat-screen TVs). These kind of items can be quickly sold outside the store.
Customers who insist on taking with them products that would normally be delivered, such as large kitchen appliances.
During busy times or at the end of the business day. Those attempting fraud often use the times when clerks are rushed to avoid the standard identification procedures.
Those who hurry in and pick up items very quickly, without apparent thought, should be viewed as suspicious.

4. Telephone/Online Orders: These are times when you cannot see your customer, but you can still implement policies which can help prevent fraud:

Orders are not process if the information is incomplete.
Be cautious with customers who use free e-mail accounts (e.g., Yahoo, MSN).
If the shipping address and the billing address are different, call and verify the order with the customer.
Unusually large orders should be a red flag.
Confirm rush orders or those to be shipped overnight.
Be alert of those who use multiple cards for items shipped to a single address.
International orders.

In addition to working with business to implement the best in preventative practices, merchant services provider can also set up the latest equipment that meets the current PCI security compliance requirements. These new credit card processing machines offer greater security for both the customer and the business.

About Certified Payment Processing

Certified Payment Processing (CPP) is a full-service provider of electronic payment equipment for processing purchases made by debit and credit cards, as well as checks and online purchases, in addition to a range of other specialized merchant services. For nearly 20 years, has helped businesses increase revenue while controlling costs. CPP has two direct sales entities –TransTech Merchant Group and Summit Merchant Solutions and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

More Prevent Credit Card Fraud Press Releases

Credit Cards – Card Fraud

Credit card fraud cases referred to credit reference company Experian have risen by over 66% last year. 6,000 victims of credit card fraud contacted the company in comparison with the 3,500 in 2006.

It is thought that increases in card fraud are caused to an increase in organised crime in the area. Everyone is a potential identity fraud victim, some more so than others. Identity fraud is becoming more common and there are things we can do to prevent ourselves becoming affected.

Londoners are more likely to become victims of fraud than other areas of the UK. Those who rent or live in a shared house are at a greater risk of identity fraud as they move frequently and share communal mail boxes. 36% of identity fraud occurs through forwarding address fraud. The fraudster will forward the post to a drop address and collect the post themselves; gaining all the details they need to gain access to the victim’s accounts.

Regularly checking your credit report will enable you to see if any fraudulent activity has occurred. Simple steps such as shielding your pin when using a cash point, not using cash points that look as though they have been tampered with a being careful of the details you pass over the phone when in public can help prevent you from falling victim to credit card fraud. Thanks to chip and pin machines, when paying for goods your card need not be taken out of your sight. This lowers the chance of having your card “skimmed”. Shredding your receipts and bank statements when you are finished with them is a good way of preventing your information from being stolen after you have disposed of it. It is also advisable to make sure your pin number is not traceable. This means avoiding obvious numbers such as birthdates and addresses.

If you do fall victim to credit card fraud the law states you are not responsible for any fraudulent activity if the original card is still in your possession. This means that your bank should refund any money you may have lost. If the card is lost and stolen and fraudulent activity happens then you are required to pay damages of up to £50 by the Consumer Credit Act and the Banking Code. Chip and Pin was introduced to cut down card fraud after a similar system was introduced in France cutting card crime by 50%. However, it seems as though the system ahs not been as successful as the authorities had hoped. By being aware of the risks you are able to be proactive about making it harder for the fraudsters to target you.

More Identity Fraud Victim Articles



VerifyFraud.com offers new service to prevent credit card fraud to internet business owners.

(PRWEB) March 15, 2000

Phoenix, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zannders Internet group, a leading online verification service announced today it’s launch of http://www.Verifyfraud.com verification service.Internet merchants are 100% liable for online credit card fraud. VerifyFraud.com can easily and quicklyreduce the risk and exposure to fraud on any business website. VerifyFraud canverify the shipping address andcontact the true cardholder for any internet business to confirm the validity of the order. This will reduce the time and effort and the amount of chargebacks to prevent fraud on the internet.Visit website at http://www.verifyfraud.comNew system can verify any orders:* Orders Using an Alternate Shipping Address* Express Overnight Request Orders* Above-Average Sales Orders* Suspicious Orders* Any order that you would like verified

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Find More Prevent Credit Card Fraud Press Releases

Tips to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Prevention is key to keeping your financial accounts secure. Here are some things you can do to help prevent scammers and thieves from making a mess of your credit and bank accounts.

Safeguard Your Credit Cards

Credit cards, just like driver’s licenses or Social Security Numbers, need to be handled with care. Never allow a clerk to walk away to process a transaction out of your sight. Personally carry your card to the register and wait   until the purchase is completed.
Don’t carry all of your credit cards in your wallet or purse. Choose one or two and leave the rest in a secure place in your home.

Protect Your Account Numbers

The safest purchases are those that you initiate. Never make a purchase from a phone solicitor or an email advertisement, unless you have requested the call or information.
Legitimate looking e-mails that claim that your account has been jeopardized and require immediate action are phishing scams. If you provide the requested personal information, you will be the next victim of identity theft. Legitimate   companies will contact you for your account or personal information; they already have this data on file.
Never carry your account number in your wallet or purse. Don’t use it as identification on your check payment envelope.
After verifying your monthly statement with your purchases, shred them. Keep your credit card receipts until they have been verified and shred them, as well.
Prevent access to the security code on the back of your credit cards. These are used by some merchants to verify that the card is in your possession when you make a purchase by phone or over the Internet. If your card number   and expiration date were stolen, but not the card itself, the thief would not be able to use your card without the code, if it was required.

]]>

Applications and PINs Make You Vulnerable

Credit card solicitations should all be destroyed; they often contain personal information that can cause havoc when they fall into the wrong hands.
Don’t neglect to sign the back of every credit card you receive.
Memorize your personal identification number (PIN).
Be aware of those around you when using an automatic teller machine (ATM). Shield the key pad when entering your PIN.

Monthly Statements / Records

Keep detailed information about all your credit accounts – numbers, expiration dates and contact information.
Watch for authorized, automatic payments on each monthly statement.
Compare all purchases with your account statement upon arrival.
Report any errors to the credit card company immediately.

If you believe your account has been compromised, call the toll-free number on the back of the card or printed on your monthly account statement. Credit card issuers are as interested as you are in preventing theft and fraud.

Steps to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Steps to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

From the waiter at your favorite local restaurant to the website at which you love to shop—criminals can use any avenue to secure your credit card information and use it for their own gain. People are called upon countless times to give up their credit card information during everything from purchasing at retail stores to paying the monthly water bill.

Exercise Caution

Thankfully, with the security of the Internet, website transactions are much more secure than ever provided the website has a security certificate. When performing a transaction online, look for current website security certificates and make sure the URL starts with https://. When you are taking calls, verify the phone number at websites that are dedicated to catch fraudsters like Numberinvestigator.com. It is advised to never divulge your credit card information over the phone. Reputable companies know better and they will not ask you for your personal information during a phone call.

]]>

Email Phishing

Email phishing scams are very common. Criminals pose as legitimate companies and include realistic looking website logos and URL’s all in an attempt to trick you. Again, a legitimate company will never request your credit card information through email, nor will they ask you to verify your personal information by clicking on a link. Also, never click on a website link unless you are sure it is from the actual company. If the domain does not contain the company name exactly like the actual website, it is an imposter. For example, bankofamerica.com is not the same as bankofamericasite.com. Additionally check the email extension to make sure it isn’t Yahoo, Google or a free provider other than the actual website company address. When in doubt, contact the company first. Don’t take any chances.

Giveaways

Another area to exercise caution is any site promising a giveaway. Often times, these giveaways never materialize and your information can then be sold to the highest bidder. There have been many instances of individuals being told they won a contest to only be drawn into what amounted to a pyramid scheme that turned out to be more than they bargained for.

 

Prevent Non-card present transaction fraud, how you can be more careful in handling your credit card details
Video Rating: 5 / 5

SECURITY – How to protect your online business from credit card fraud?

What is Online Credit Card Fraud?

Keeping cash in your pocket, you take the risk that it might be stolen and spent without your knowledge. It’s the same with online payment. There is a possibility that your credit card data may fall into the wrong hands. It can happen to anyone just like pickpocketing or other forms of fraud. However, taking the right preventive measures, both buyers and merchants can avoid such problems.

Online sales is considered to be card not present (the cardholder is not physically present) transaction. It means that signature-based fraud prevention techniques are all of no use, as merchants never get a chance to see payment cards any more.

Before entering any sensitive information, always make sure that the URL is safe, the merchant is reliable, and always check the presence of SSL certificate.

In order to protect ourselves from identity theft and scams, we obviously need to be mindful when providing personal information. However there’s no reason to hesitate to share reasonably required data (like address, phone number and so on) securely and for our own good. The more cautiously card holders are identified the stronger protection keeps their data safe.

]]>

Now, should you consider any charge (showed up on your checkbook register or your bank account statement) to be unauthorized, do not hesitate to contact your bank.

What is Chargeback and how to prevent it as an Online Merchant?

Simply speaking, chargeback is the return of a transaction to the consumer. It is initiated by the card issuer bank upon a complaint by the account holder. Chargeback is an unfriendly way of returning funds. Normally it happens by some confusion about the charges or fraud activity that finally leads to painful extra fees at merchant’s side. 

Each business operating in online payment industry aims to get a huge traffic, keeping chargeback ratio as low as possible.

Chargebacks can result from a number of reasons. The good news is, most of them can be prevented. The two most important components of prevention are professional Client Service and Fraud Detection. Now let’s see how Escalion can protect your business.

Antifraud – fraud prevention

Running an online business, are you really aware of the newest tricks in credit card fraud? Do you know where the weak links are in your system, which can easily be misused by a slick online fraudster within seconds?

Well, probably not, because it’s not the merchant’s responsibility. Such issues necessitate experts like Escalion, so you can focus solely on your business

A well-designed fraud prevention system is made up of the following main elements:

Reliable, efficient, scalable and sophisticated automation systems
A team with several years of experience in fraud prevention

Without these key elements, the web business loses a considerable amount of incomes. One of the most common mistakes merchants make is to refuse lots of non-fraud transactions by using predefined filters alone.

The secret is, implementing the right automatic tools and keep it under the control of watchful experts twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Building a successful online business, this is what a payment service provider can really chip in with. Maximum profit while cutting losses and risk.

Protecting Your Identity When Using A Debit Card

Over nine million people each year report that they are the victim of some type of identity theft. As criminals continue to find new ways of committing fraud, we must also continue to remain diligent about protecting our personal information.

As more and more people use credit cards and debit cards to shop or pay bills, it’s getting easier for thieves to steal sensitive information as well as completely assuming someone’s identity. Here are four simple ways to protect your identity and your hard earned money.

1. Use common sense.

Never give out your debit card number over the telephone, especially if you weren’t the one who initiated the call, unless you are dealing with a trusted company that you are familiar and comfortable with.

Limit the amount of cards you carry with you, and keep all of your receipts in a safe place. Never throw any type of receipts in the trash near the ATM machine or a public trash container.

2. Sign up for online banking.

]]>

Enroll in your bank’s online banking program so that you have easy and immediate access to your accounts at all times. The sooner you’re able to report fraud to your financial institution, the quicker you’ll be able to put a freeze on your accounts and stop them from doing more damage with your debit card.

3. Use caution shopping online.

While there are thousands and thousands of reputable merchants doing business online, there’s still need for caution when using your debit card to shop on the internet. Of course, it’s just as important to be careful anytime you use your debit card, not just while shopping on the web.

Disreputable store owners and dishonest clerks have been known to use a device called a “skimmer” which reads the information stored on your debit card’s magnetic strip. Your account’s information is then downloaded to a computer while the thieves then create new accounts in your name and go shopping with your money.

4. Check your credit report yearly.

Under federal law you are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three credit bureaus, which are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you suspect your identity has been compromised as the result of your debit or credit cards being stolen, your credit report is very helpful as it will show detailed information including accounts that weren’t opened by you, or charges and inquiries that you never authorized.

Checking your credit report regularly make it easier for you to take care of any potential problems and watch for fraudulent activity. And subscribe to helpful blogs that focus on identity theft news so that you can keep up with the latest alerts and news to be safe and stay safe.

Help others you know online as well. Share helpful articles and send links to helpful sites and blogs. Help each other be on the alert and watch each other’s backs. Be safe and stay safe. It’s all about identity theft protection.

Find More Identity Theft News Articles



Avoid Identity Theft, Credit Card Fraud and Other Cons with New Safety Guide from RealSafety.org

Tucson, AZ (PRWEB) October 26, 2005

The Real Safety Guide to Beating Identity Theft, Con Artists and Credit Card Fraud is a new, downloadable safety guide that teaches consumer safety tips. The guide is available now at http://www.RealSafety.org.

Real case studies of cons, frauds and identity thieves reveal 140 real world safety tips, like:

Where do identity thieves find your information?

How do you quickly identify a telephone con?

When should you give out your Social Security number?

How do you monitor your credit report for fraud?

What’s the best way to protect your credit cards?

How do you properly dispose of a computer with your private information on it?

The Real Safety Guide to Beating Identity Theft, Con Artists and Credit Card Fraud is the first in the Real Safety Guide series that teach timely, practical advice on how to protect yourself against property theft, natural disasters, violent criminals, unsafe medications, unhealthy foods and many other topics. More information on this guide can be found at http://www.realsafety.org/IDTheft.html

About RealSafety.org

RealSafety.org is the non-profit publisher of the Real Safety Guide series. Half of all net proceeds from sales of the Real Safety Guides are donated to related non-profit organizations. Endorsed by law enforcement and other groups, the Real Safety guides are designed for quick reference and affordability so that all can benefit from their information.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

More Credit Reporting Fraud Press Releases

Credit Card Fraud

Identity theft comes in many forms, but one of the most common types, and also, one of the most destructive, is credit card fraud. Now, you may think you have protected yourself from credit card fraud, but the reality is, there are so many ways in which an identity theft can steal your details and therefore commit this type of fraud, that you may not have protected yourself against every eventuality.

The first thing you need to think about when considering protecting yourself from credit card fraud, is the ways in which people are able to get hold of your credit cards, or personal information in order to apply for one. The first thing you should watch out for is any problems you may encounter with ATM machines. If you notice anything strange about the way the cash machine is working, do not use it and inform the bank or company that owns the machine. The most common thing that seems to happen, is a small card reader is mounted over the slot that reads the card and can be use for copying it, and also a tiny camera which monitors the pin numbers. This method allows the thief to monitor and collect many different card details and Pin numbers to use in the form of credit card theft. This may also happen for the small machines that you use to pay by card in crooked stores, or by a crooked sales cashier.

]]>

For more detailed frauds, these identity thieves need more than just card details. They need address and names, and these can be found by rooting through garbage cans. These details can easily be found on utility bills or bank statements. They can use that information, as well as details that can be found with the electoral roles and other data that is publicly available, to perform costly and intricated forms of credit cards.

Credit card fraud can also be performed in the way of lost mail. Thieves have been known to steal post from mail boxes and every year, the postal companies are reporting more and more lost mail. Important documents such as check books, credit cards, Pin numbers can all be intercepted before they reach the owner of the mailbox.

You should also be aware that thieves also use websites to purchase goods, either by way of credit card fraud, or by just using your personal details. Online auction sites should be carefully monitored, and so should sites that store your personal information for any future purchases.

The only way to be protected against credit card fraud is to be aware. Your documents can be stolen in so many ways, and you need to ensure that you always keep a close eye on your finances.

There are certain insurances you can take out to protect you, if you should ever become a victim of credit card fraud, and it is a good idea to check out these options for further reference.

Find More Credit Card Theft Articles

Cyber Shopping with a Credit Card – Protect Yourself Online

You’re just a few keyboard clicks away from just about anything your heart could possibly desire. With the timesaving advantages and ability to avoid the hassle of crowded stores, more and more people are looking to the Internet to do their shopping. Just as you are aware of possible safety and security issues when you shop at the mall it is important that you be aware of the same issues before you jump on the bandwagon to shop online.

Begin with your Browser and Internet Connection
An unsecured web browser or Internet connection be easily intercepted by a hacker resulting in the theft of your credit card information and possibly your identity. A secure computer connection will scramble (encrypt) everything you enter into the web browser. The easiest way to insure that you have the latest technology to safeguard your Internet shopping is by keeping up-to-date on all upgrades and new releases. Allowing Automatic Update for Windows is one important way to be at the top of your game when it comes to Internet security. Contact your service provider, if you’re not sure if your connection is encrypted.

If your connection is wireless, especially if you’re surfing the web in public places, it is imperative that you have your wireless router WEP enabled. This is accomplished through the setup window of your wireless connection. Again, if you’re unable to determine your security, contact your wireless router manufacturer to help you out.

Check Out the Merchant

The number one way to get into trouble when buying from the Internet is by responding to an unsolicited e-mail offer. Your personal identity can be at serious risk, if the offer is a thief using ‘phishing’ methods to get you to divulge your personal information. To protect yourself from this threat and to insure that you are at a legitimate site, type the URL of the site into the browser search window rather than follow a link included in the e-mail. When shopping with an unfamiliar online merchant look for your web browsers ‘lock’ icon at the bottom of the window. Click on it to see the site’s security details. Be sure that the icon functions properly, as fraudulent sites may duplicate the ‘lock’ icon to trick you into thinking the site is legitimate. Read your browser help files to understand how this function works. The web address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the information is being encrypted—turned into code that can only be read by the seller. Many SSL Certificate vendors (Verisign, GeoTrust, SSL.com, etc.) also provide a “site seal” to the owners of these web sites. Or better yet, check out the merchant at www.bbb.org (Better Business Bureau) for complaints that may have been filed against them. If you’re bidding on an auction item, check out the feedback forum and the seller’s track record. Write down the details of the merchant. Get the contact phone numbers, e-mail address and a physical address, if applicable. Also, note the return policy in detail as these vary from merchant to merchant, as well as the privacy and cancellation policies. Take some time to get to know the policies of the site. Understand all the costs associated with the purchase, i.e.: delivery rates, shipping and handling charges, taxes, etc. Print out all order confirmation e-mail.

Pay it Safe

Your online purchases are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act just like all of your other credit card purchases. With the protection this act provides, using a credit card is probably the safest way to buy online. You have rights to dispute unauthorized charges, cancellation of late deliveries, return of defective or misrepresented merchandise and a maximum liability of . But there are some important things to be aware of when buying online with credit.

Never divulge your social security number or even the last four digits or your passwords. Legitimate sites never ask for this type of information. Check you monthly statements thoroughly. Any unauthorized charges need to be dealt with immediately. Report your concerns to the credit card company with as much detail as you can provide. Designate one credit card to only be used for online shopping. In this way, you can recognize much more quickly any discrepancies, errors or unauthorized purchases.