Canada’s merchants are on the front lines of the growing battle against counterfeiting and credit card fraud. And our fraud prevention experts are working hard to provide the ammunition you need.

“There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and your business,” says Tom Sheluk, Senior Fraud Investigator, TD Canada Trust.

Educate your staff

One of the most important steps is educating your staff. TD Canada Trust Merchant Services can provide you with written material to help your staff identify fraudulent cards and other signs that a fraud is being committed.

Teach employees to be wary in certain sales situations. For example, if a customer enters your store and within minutes has decided to buy the most expensive item, without taking any time to think it over, it is wise to be suspicious. You should also be wary of a customer who charges expensive items on a newly valid credit card, takes the credit card from a pocket instead of a wallet, or signs the sales draft very slowly or awkwardly.

If a suspicious situation occurs and you suspect the customer may be using a fraudulent card, place a “Code 10” call (see “Make Code 10 work for you”) and retain the credit card.

Use Code 10

Also make sure your employees know how to make a Code 10 call. Remind them never to jeopardize their own safety or the safety of other staff or customers. Sheluk advises handing over the card if a customer becomes aggressive.

Maintaining a close relationship with your bank is also important for preventing fraud. Be sure to review any correspondence from TD Canada Trust. It may contain a timely alert about the latest scam or provide valuable tips on protecting your business from fraud.

Sheluk also advises that, as merchants, you should read the agreement with your bank carefully, so you are aware of your responsibilities and obligations regarding fraudulent transactions.

For more information on how you and your employees can help reduce credit card fraud, call the TD Canada Trust Merchant Services Help Line at 1-800- 363-1163 and ask for a copy of our credit card fraud prevention brochure.

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Make Code 10 work for you

If you, or one of your employees, suspect that a credit card might be fraudulent, call the TD Canada Trust Merchant Services Visa Authorization Centre immediately (1-800- 363-1163) and identify the call as a “Code 10” authorization. This is what will happen:

• The Centre will know that you suspect something is wrong, but the customer will not be alerted

• A representative will ask you a series of questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”

• You will then either be given an authorization number or you will be asked to retain the card

• Make sure that you always retain the card throughout the sale, and return it only after you have obtained authorization

• Merchants who recover a lost or stolen card may be eligible for a reward from the bank that issued the card

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