Instore credit card fraud

Protect transactions at your business or retail store from credit card fraud and learn how to report a fraudulent or suspicious transaction in store. 

Credit card fraud prevention information

Crime prevention tips to prevent fraudulent transactions. 

Physically inspect credit cards

Before processing the sale in-store or at your business:

• check card signatures
• check the expiry date
• check for ghosting or shading indicating changed numbers
• check for damaged magnet strips
• ensure holograms are visible, appear three dimensional and move when the card is tilted.

Watch your customers

Be alert for customers who:

• appear anxious
• arrive on or near closing time
• appear in a hurry
• buy large quantities of goods or expensive items
• request payment is entered manually.

Act on your suspicions

If you notice something amiss with the card or a customer is acting suspicious:

• do not return the card
• ask to see a form of photo identification 
• call your supervisor or business owner.

Other steps to prevent fraudulent transactions

There are some further steps you can take to protect against in-store credit card fraud:

• ensure the transaction is completed before providing the goods to the customer
• for phone or internet sales, request the 3 or 4 digit number printed on the back of the card
• do not enter card details manually, without prior approval from the card issuer.

What to do if you suspect credit card fraud

If your business may be a victim of credit card fraud:

• record any transaction details
• save all CCTV from the time of the transaction.
• notify your bank.

Report credit card fraud

In an emergency, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.

You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers by making an online report, or by calling 1800 333 000.

Personal credit card fraud

Learn how to protect yourself from personal credit card fraud.