Research suggests that although credit card fraud is usually a major problem, it genuinely affects a tiny number of online purchases. It is foolish indeed to utilize a “one-size-fits-all” method that’s unintended adverse consequences. Therefore, an equilibrium should surely apply between caution and practicality.
In another article, I ranted about sellers insisting on paying five cents into a buyer’s bank as a method of preventing by using stolen plastic cards. That can be highly irritating for your buyer as it implies fraud just about all delays the shipping, one or another of which potentially prompting the purchaser to cancel your order and never return. For some sellers, anything really automated method could possibly be rejected because “it takes an excessive amount time”, do not have the staff to complete it”, “not the way in which we do things here” etc.
What is going to be proposed in the following paragraphs requires more effort, awareness of detail and in all probability a change of mindset. However, particularly will work to help you protect against fraud, without offending and/or losing a current customer.
Orders which will cause concern
Start by checking a highly effective record of "suspect orders." (see below) I f a buyer's details include those records with information of what actions was taken, you are well on just how to eliminating a problem which enable it to deal with it appropriately.
Be cautious if your billing and delivery addresses are very different. However, there might be perfectly valid reasons, especially in the event the billing would be to a PO Box number nevertheless the goods are planned to a physical address. In this author's opinion and regardless of the advice through the banks, automatic rejection of orders with PO Box number addresses is simply another way to annoy the buyer - unless a really good explanation is provided just for this policy.
It really should be mandatory for everyone customer orders to feature a contact cell phone number as well as an email, therefore anything looks dodgy, an unscheduled visit to the buyer is definitely possible. Failure to get in touch or a link with some bizarre voice message will probably be an obvious danger sign. Another method is usually to use "reverse number" software to ascertain if there is really a match. If not then go for it query your order. (this option is available online)
Buyers using dodgy-looking email addresses really should be regarded as fraudulent. Most honest persons may have something readily identifiable into their address, meaning your own name or even a business name. Of course, the property owner can and really should promptly send an effective message requesting confirmation that the transaction was placed by that person. Then watch to find out if your message bounces or if there isn't a response. If the address known as a business, you can actually search for that business on-line. If not found, there may be reason for being suspicious.How for making the query
Have someone which has a pleasant manner make an appointment to the buyer. While the contact might be done by email, the individual touch is much more likely to get good results and provides a certainly better opportunity to measure the situation without offending the best buyer.
A sensible reason to the query MUST be provided. Any reasonable person will understand should the query is (a) prompt, (b) polite, (c) free of any adverse inference and WITHOUT insinuating that the problem relates to this particular customer.
A small "white lie" seems perfectly appropriate. Rather that say anything that can be construed being an accusation, it could be better to say "we have a problem with our systems reality no fault of yours we simply cannot process your payment." "Do you do have a different card or can you please pay by bank transfer?"
Any hostile answer will raise the "red flag" and allow owner to decline your order for "technical reasons is actually regret."
Always ask to the name of the purchaser's bank. Someone utilizing a stolen card most likely to know the solution.
For quality transactions, request a "verification check" This is often a service operated by VISA and Mastercard where the buyer has a password authorised by their bank. It does need the buyer to sign up because of this but a sound buyer is not likely to decline.Keep records
Nothing more complex than an effective E XCEL file (or some other spreadsheet or even a database) is required to maintain a record of suspect orders. It will take merely a minute or two to penetrate the details. The suggested fields are listed below:
The date of your order
Buyer’s name
Buyer’s contact number
Buyer’s current email address
Requested delivery address
Item ordered
Credit card number, expiry date and CCV number
Reason given for query
Result (order processed OR declined)
Excel allows searches on these fields to produce it all to easy to identify any repeated attempt
Share your concerns
In obvious cases of potential fraud:
Report these phones your bank. They may have the professional staff to research further, and to protect you in case of funds being stolen from you finding out.
Report the matter on the card issuing company
In extreme cases, also report the difficulty to police.Keep reading
This article tries to offer practical advice from your perspective of retaining honest customers. More on investigation and prevention techniques could be found on numerous Internet sites.