Card-Present Transactions

Secure Acceptance with a Visa Card

Proper card acceptance

1. Check the card security features (listed below). Make sure that the card has not  
    been altered.
2. Swipe the stripe. Swipe the card through the terminal in one direction only to
    obtain authorization.
3. Check the authorization response. Take appropriate action for the specific
    response:
 

Response	Action
Approved	Ask the customer to sign the sales receipt.
Declined	Return the card to customer and ask for another Visa card.
Refer	Call your acquiring bank's authorization center and tell the  operator that you have a "Call" or "Call Center" response.  Follow the operator instructions.    Note: In most cases, a "Call" or "Call Center" message just  means the card Issuer needs some additional information  before the transaction can be approved.
Pick Up	Keep the card if you can do so peacefully.  If you suspect  fraud, immediately make a Code 10 call to your acquiring  bank's authorization center.

 
4. Match the numbers. Check the embossed number on the card against the four digits
    of the account number displayed on the terminal.
5. Request a signature. Have the cardholder sign the transaction receipt.
6. Check the signature. Be sure that the signature on the card matches the one on
    the transaction receipt.
 
If you suspect fraud, immediately make a Code 10 call to your acquiring bank's authorization center.

Visa card security features

Click on any of the security features to the right of the card for a brief explanation.

Dealing with unsigned cards

  
If the signature panel is left blank...

1. Request a signature. Ask the cardholder to sign the card and provide current government identification, such as a driver's license or passport (if local law permits).
2. Check the signature. Be sure that the cardholder signature on the transaction receipt matches the one on the card and the additional identification.
3. Complete the transaction. If the signatures appear reasonably the same and the authorization request is approved, continue the transaction. If the cardholder refuses to sign the card, do not accept the card.

 
 
If the card has a “See ID” in place of a signature…

	Request a signature. Ask the cardholder to sign the card and provide current government identification, such as a driver's license or passport (if local law permits). Check the signature. Be sure that the signature on the card matches the one on the transaction receipt and the additional identification.

If the signatures appear reasonably the same and the authorization request is approved, go ahead and complete the transaction.

Six warning signs of fraud

Certain customer behavior could point to card fraud, but it doesn't necessarily indicate criminal activity. You know your customers, so let your instincts steer you in the right direction. 
 
Watch out for customers who:
1. Purchase a large amount of merchandise without regard to size, style, color, or
    price.
2. Ask no questions on major purchases.
3. Try to distract or rush you during the sale.
4. Make purchases and leave the store, but then return to make more purchases.
5. Make large purchases just after the store’s opening, or as the store is closing.
6. Refuse free delivery for large items.