If you are a card-present merchant, take the following steps to ensure the legitimacy of every Visa card, cardholder, and transaction. Merchants or their sales associates should check the card security features, request an authorization and obtain the cardholder’s signature.
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.
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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 cardholder signature on the transaction receipt matches the one on the card and the additional identification.
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.
