If the card is not there, you need to be more aware…
With the proper know-how and the right tools, mail order, telephone, and Internet merchants can detect fraud and avoid associated card losses. To stay ahead of the crooks and reduce your fraud exposure, do the following:
- Ask the customer for the card expiration date and include it with your authorization request. An invalid or missing expiration date can be an indicator that the person on the other end does not have the actual card in hand.
- Use fraud detection tools like the Address Verifcation Service (AVS) and the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) as part of the authorization process. To order the Merchant Guide to AVS or the Merchant Guide to CVV2, call 1-800-VISA-311.
- Be on the lookout for questionable transaction data or other signs indicating “out of pattern” orders.
IF you suspect fraud:
- Ask the customer for day/evening phone numbers, then call with any questions.
- Ask for additional information such as the bank name on the front of the card.
- Separately confirm the order by sending a note via the customer’s billing address, rather than the ship-to address.
Remember, always report suspicious activity to your merchant bank.