Here are some tips to prevent fraud for your business. For businesses that are processing credit card transactions without the card being present these guidelines are especially for you. You may run a takeout – delivery business, over the phone, or over the web, these tips are meant as a way to help reduce the amount of fraud you business may receive. Many merchants are accepting credit cards online; this does open up the potential for fraudulent activity. We hope these tips can hlep your business.

• Make sure you get the authorization for the transaction before you ship any product.
• Get an expiration date for every sale over the internet or by phone. This action will decrease the possibility for unauthorized use of credit cards.
• Always ask for the CW2 code found typically on the back signature side of the credit or debit card. This ensures that the customer has the actual card in their presence when placing the order.
• Another great way to avoid fraud is to require that the customer provide their credit card billing address. More often than not, if the address doesn’t match the stored billing address the transaction is a fraudulent one.
• Proper record keeping will help your business and your customers. Always advice your clients to keep their receipt too.
• When setting up your website, be sure to give a clear and concise disclosure of your cancellation, refund and return policies. This will clear up any misgivings and it provides your policies in writing.
• Your businesses website should have an area displaying your contact information with your phone, address and an email address. This is not only a great way to show the customer who you are but a way to get feedback and help prevent a fraud claim. 
• Give a detailed description of services or merchandise that your business is selling. When selling on the internet it gives your business the opportunity to sell globally. A proper description avoids any misunderstanding. 
• For phone and internet sales; be sure to keep your staff informed and keep the customers informed. Give a true estimate of the delivery date, how a product or service works, and a truthful reflection of any back orders.