First National Merchant Solutions is CBA’s service provider for credit card processing. If you haven't heard yet, FNMS is running a promotion from now until July 31 called the $500 Meet or Beat! If they can't save you money on your credit card processing, they will give you $500. Either way, you win. Give them a call today at (888) 474-8267 and be sure to identify yourself as a CBA member.

Below are a few tips from FNMS on how to avoid credit card fraud...

Check the last four digits of the card account number.

If they don’t match those on the receipt or on the terminal display, call your authorization center and ask for a code 10. Key-enter the account number of a card only if the card cannot be read by the mag-stripe reader. Always make an imprint of the card if a transaction is key entered.

Check the signature panel.
If the signature panel is not signed, ask the customer to sign the card. In addition, ask to see government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport. When the customer signs the card, compare the signature on the card to the signature on the receipt to make sure they match. If they don’t match, call for a code 10.

Inspect the embossing.
The first four digits of the account number should be printed directly above or below the first four embossed digits of the account number.

Examine the hologram.
Make sure the hologram is clear and three-dimensional.

Hold the card throughout the transaction.
Doing this ensures that the point-of-sale staff is in control of the transaction.

Respond to “Call” message.
If a “Call” message is displayed on your terminal after swiping the card, immediately call the voice authorization center and tell the operator you are responding to a “Call” message and follow the operator’s instructions.

Take your time.
Don’t let a hurried customer cause you to disregard proper point-of-sale procedures

Watch for Suspicious Behavior
While most of these behavior patterns can be observed during a normal transaction, point-of-sale staff should be alert for cardholders who:

- Purchase an unusual amount of large ticket items.
- Produce the card from a pocket rather than a wallet or purse.
- Cannot provide identification when asked.
- Attempt to hurry the transactions (especially close to store closing time).
- Purchase large ticket items and insist on taking them home immediately, even if delivery is included with the sale.
- Make several small purchases in an attempt to stay under the floor limit of the transaction or ask what the floor limit is on the card.
- Charge high-ticket items on a card with a recent valid date.
- Appear nervous throughout the sale.