Protect transactions at your business or retail store from credit card fraud and learn how to report a fraudulent or suspicious transaction in store.
Key crime prevention tips
To prevent credit card fraud in your retail business or store:
- physically inspect cards
- watch your customers
- act on your suspicions.
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.
Business and commercial safety
Maintain personal safety in your workplace, prevent and respond to theft or robbery, secure your construction site or tools, and report suspicious behaviour at gaming venues or petrol stations.
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