Be wary of nervous, in-a-hurry shoppers. Stealing can be hard on the nerves and can make a person fidget, perspire and try to get the job done quickly.
Take a hard look at the customer who buys clothing without trying it on, or who buys several sizes of the same item.
Another clue - the plastic criminal will often produce the credit card from a pocket, rather than a wallet or purse.
Be wary of people who buy a variety of items - especially if they don't seem concerned about prices. They may be stocking up for resale.
Be suspicious if a customer seems interested in the "floor limit" of the store. It's common knowledge that a sales clerk can allow a credit card sale only up to a certain amount without calling for authorization. The floor limits often vary, and the criminal may ask about the amount before making a purchase.
Be wary of the customer who asks you to "split-bill" for items purchased over the floor limit (i.e. two or more sales drafts to cover one transaction).
How Merchants and Employees Can Make Credit Card Transactions Safer
Examine the credit card closely - look for alterations, check the expiry date, compare the signature on invoices with the signature on the credit card.
Check the presented card with recent lists of stolen and invalid credit card numbers.
If suspicious, ask for identification. Most driver's licences include physical descriptions - compare this description with the customer's appearance.
Always fill out invoices or sales drafts completely and have the customer sign them. Keep possession of the credit card until you have completed your inquiries.
Ensure the card has imprinted clearly on all copies of the invoice or receipt.
If the card is invalid or stolen, or if you have any doubts, call for authorization and remember to take both the card and sales draft with you. If a customer runs away, you will still have the card.
If a customer flees, jot down a full description including age, height, weight, hair color, type of clothing, etc. Try to determine if the customer was alone or had an accomplice. Look to see the direction of flight. Get a description of any vehicle that may have been used and record the licence number. Call the police immediately.
Do random authorization checks on suspicious transactions. Ensure the receipt is signed and compare the signature on the receipt to that on the card. Don't wait. Do it before the customer leaves, while you still have the merchandise and the card.
If a customer leaves his card, cut the card and send it back to the company.
Employers - train your staff to spot credit card frauds. Teach them the correct procedures, and ensure they are following instructions. If you require assistance in employee training, call a credit card investigator from one of the major credit card companies.
To report an in-progress credit card fraud, or a person using a stolen credit card, phone police immediately on 911 or your local emergency number for police and give details of the offence and the store name and location. Also I give details about the suspect, a description and a direction of travel.
Cheque Checklist
Fraudulent cheque writing has become a profitable way of life for many criminals. Poor cheque-cashing policies and personal carelessness increase the risk of loss.
Check:
...at least two types of identification, i.e. driver's licence and major credit card. READ the information on the identification; COMPARE the personal identification to the person; RECORD the information on the back of the cheque.
...the client's signature against that on the identification (you MUST witness the signature).
...with the bank on which the cheque is drawn
DO limit cheque authorization to designated employees.
DO deposit all cheques promptly.
DON'T accept postdated cheques or cheques that are more than a month old.
DON'T let the client hurry you into accepting his or her cheque.
DON'T accept the cheque if in doubt.
Beware:
...of cheques presented on a holiday eve or weekend.
...of cashing- youngsters' cheques. Young people may not be legally responsible.
...of anyone who presents a cheque larger than required for the transaction and wants the change in cash.
...of second-party and payroll cheques.
...of a cheque that shows signs of change.
A program called "Mind Your Own Business" from the Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association provides information for retail merchants to keep them from becoming- victims of fraud. Heads Up also produces a series of pamphlets on the types of fraud and fraud prevention tips. For further information, contact Heads Up at (780) 421-3401, or visit its Web site at www.heads-up.ca.
