Credit cards

• Be alert for customers that act in an unusual manner, who may:

- appear to be in a hurry, nervous, blushing, talking hesitantly or someone who is being overly chatty or friendly
- make a purchase without regard to the price, quality or size
- repeatedly return to make additional charges
- bring a card straight out of a pocket instead of a wallet.

• When you receive the card, look at the front and check to see if:

- the expiry date is current
- the name matches the person (i.e. male name for male person)
- the card is not damaged
- the embossing has not been altered
- the hologram is authentic (look for quality, correctness, 3D features, change of colour)

• When you check the signature:

- ensure the card is signed and the signature has not been altered
- ensure the signatures on the sales strip matches that on the actual card.

If using an electronic terminal, ensure printed receipts match the printed details on the card.

Do not return the card to the customer before the sale has been processed and the signature confirmed.

If you have a manual imprint system, ensure carbon sheets are destroyed or returned to the customer.

Should alterations or irregularities be found: - ask for additional photo identification - hold on to the card and call for authorisation

•  Contact the authorisation centre to obtain authorisation for credit card transactions where:

- the value of the transaction is high for the business
- the person presenting the card is suspected of not being the cardholder

•  If the transaction is not authorised:

- hold onto the card
- listen to the instructions given to you from the credit card authorising agency
- call police on 131 444.

Check that the refund limit for each EFTPOS terminal is set at an appropriate limit.

Ensure the EFTPOS password or PIN is changed regularly and kept confidential.

Ensure there is sufficient physical security of EFTPOS terminals.

Ensure staff are trained to identify fraudulent credit cards, cheques and currency.

Banking security

• Keep minimal amounts of cash at your business.
• Ensure cash is not left on premises overnight.
• Money should be counted away from customers and stored safely if banking is not possible.
• Vary times and routes when banking.
• Conceal the fact that you are carrying cash. Do not use bank identifiable bags.
• Have two staff members attend to banking where possible.
• When carrying cash, populated areas are safer than deserted areas.
• Conceal the fact that you are banking for a business.
• Remove or cover badges and uniforms that identify you when you are going to the bank.
• Shop takings should never be discussed in public.
• Use local bank services to reduce the amount of time spent carrying cash in transit.
• Ensure the time of return is known to fellow co-workers so an alarm can be raised if necessary.