by Chandra | May 24, 2019 | Data Security Credit Card, MasterCard, News Alerts, Security
New Credit Card Skimmers found inside card readers at gas pumps at many 7-11 stores
Look for the red tag on the pumps or go into the store to pay. Some 7-11 stores have installed temporary locks on pumps until permanent locks arrive.
Fraud Facts
Florida is the country’s number one for fraud crimes, mainly because skimmers target dozens of people at the pumps every day.
This year alone, 561 skimmers have been found at gas stations in the State. Due to this growing number of skimmers, State Leaders prioritize fraud prevention.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is pushing gas stations in Florida to install encryption readers by November of 2020. The encryption readers will scramble your card information so that your number can’t be grabbed by another device to steal your information.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners passed the Fuel Pump Security Ordinance on Tuesday. Charlotte County, The Cities of Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda already have ordinances to protect you at the pump.
Five Tips to Fight Fraud
Here are five tips for consumers to avoid credit card fraud by gas pump skimmers, listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
- Avoid using open or unlocked pumps that have had the tamper-evident security tape cut or removed or otherwise appear unusual.
- Use a credit card – not a debit card: If a credit card number is skimmed, you’re protected by the card issuer’s zero-liability policy – but a stolen debit card number could be far more damaging.
- Pay inside, with cash or credit, instead of at the pump
- Choose gas pumps closest to a physical building: Don’t use gas pumps out of the attendant’s line of sight, such as those around a corner or behind a building.
- Check your card statements and sign up for fraud alerts.
NBC-2 Related News Story
by Chandra | Jan 10, 2019 | Dress For Success, Non-Profit News, Public Service
In recent news you may have heard that our community suffered a great loss on New Year’s Day, that loss was our beloved Barbara Dell. Of course, she wasn’t just any woman; she was an entrepreneur and a visionary that turned out to be a true blessing for all the women that walked through the doors at Dress for Success in Southwest Florida.
Barbara was unstoppable. Her presence would light up a room and she was a true inspiration to all women; not just as a leader but also as a friend. She was the type of woman that inspired everyone with her constant passion to help the women of SW Florida turn their lives around.
Our company first became involved with Dress for Success due to the volunteers’ enthusiasm at one of their first Shop for Success events at the Bell Tower in Fort Myers. There was no job too big or too small for any of the volunteers because it was delightful helping a good cause and working under Barbara. Read more here.
She will be truly missed but will live in our hearts forever. We can all commemorate a great woman not only by supporting Dress for Success but other charities as well. Pay it forward for Barbara; she would have wanted it that way.
A celebration of Life held for Barbara at the Broadway Palm on February 8th at 2:00-4:00.
by Chandra | Nov 1, 2018 | Dress For Success, Non-Profit News, Public Service
Don’t miss the shopping event of the year! The annual Dress For Success Shop for Success will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Friday November 2nd; VIP Admission starting at 3 p.m. ($50 tickets…hurry, only 6 remaining), General Admission at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over 5,000 square feet will be packed with exclusive brands such as White House/Black Market, Chico’s, Talbots, St. John as well as other special well-known designers. With prices starting at just $5 each it’s a bargain shopper’s paradise!
Card Systems and eGuarded are once again proud sponsors of the event and our staff will be there to assist you with all your purchases. We hope to see you there – come start your holiday shopping with us!
by Chandra | Oct 10, 2018 | Marketing, News, Public Service
We are down to a little under a month until #SmallBusinessSaturday2018, and we would like to share ten easy tips and tricks you can use to help your small business get the most out of this day.
Remember back in 2011 when the Senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting this day? By 2012, officials in all 50 states participated. Small Business Saturday is recognized; now is your small business’s chance, too!
Communities united, and these milestones led to communities everywhere celebrating community in unison. Ninety percent of consumers surveyed said Small Business Saturday has positively impacted their community.
- Plan an event for your small business – stand out among the rest! (see ways to promote it online here)
Are you a restaurant or food service? Use the #DineSmall hashtag on social media to encourage your customers to support local restaurants.- American Express – amazing tools like Shop Small Studio to promote Shopsmall (as well as your business)
- Social Media presence using #ShopSmall and your branding and “specials.”
- Customizable Marketing Materials from Shop Small
- Support other local businesses by partnering up with each other for the big day.
- Visit the Shop Small Map to see what other small businesses are already participating and uniting.
- Create holiday gift bundles for your customers to shop for their loved ones conveniently. Think:” for her, for him, for your pet, … “
- Extend your regular business hours, and ensure your POS is operational to get the most revenue out of this day.
- More importantly, prioritize customer service! Remembering bringing your community together is what the annual #ShopSmall shopping tradition is all about!
by Chandra | Jun 22, 2018 | News Alerts, Public Service, Restaurant Industry News, Retail Industry News
With the advancements in technology, it’s just a matter of time before your business could become a victim. Everyone who works with credit card and/or chip readers in any capacity should be aware of skimming threats and be watchful. It could cost your business thousands and it may be someone right under your nose.
The card skimming wave was active this week in Oklahoma where the waitress was fortunately caught by her manager. Read the full story here. By the way, the waitress DID have an adverse background that would have been found had they run a background check.
The new era of thievery is now called “shimming”. The thieves are inserting ultra thin circuit boards through any card slot to read EMV card details from inside the device.
What is the difference between skimming and shimming?
Skimming is recognized as fraud that “skims,” the information off the magnetic strip on a credit or debit card.
Shimming refers to an attack that captures data by tapping directly into the EMV chip.
7 Tips to Protect your Business:
- Inspect card and chip readers regularly in and around the card slot
- Background every employee dealing with credit cards and payments
- Trust your instincts when it comes to your employees
- Look into pay-at-the-table or mobile devices and software to take credit card data out of scope
- If you must write down credit card data, protect it by locking it securely away
- Inspect for hidden cameras or unrecognized devices
- Ensure your host network is checking card verification codes of both magnetic strip/chip-based transaction authorization processes
7 things to Protect Yourself:
- Trust your gut. Rely on your instincts. Know your surroundings
- When in doubt, don’t use the ATM or hand your card over to a cashier
- Make sure your card stays in sight. Never let anyone walk away with your card
- Use your credit card instead of your debit card. Don’t use your PIN unless you have to
- Not all ATM’s are equal. Be particularly careful in a tourist areas
- Use NFC or contact pay, Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay (payment tokens). Always monitor your accounts
- Be aware of transactions that force your card to use the magnetic stripe
We have your safe-guarded practices in mind always. Remember, trust, but always verify. For ideas to help safeguard your devices, call Card Systems now for all your POS, Credit Card Processing and Equipment & Software needs.
by Chandra | Jun 14, 2018 | News Alerts, Public Service
Is it time you considered adding a Signature Capture Device?
It may be closer to reality than we might expect. There are key chemical components utilized in receipt paper that are low in supply and high in demand.
Why? An estimated 80K factories have been fined, shut down or hit with criminal offenses due to the Chinese Government’s renewed enforcement of environmental regulations.
There has been a buzz in the air that there is a global thermal paper shortage. Paper vendors continue warning about the imminent price increases and shortages.
We know how critical it is for you to have a reliable supply of thermal paper at a reasonable price, and we will do everything within our power to assist through this paper shortage. The reality is that there will be price increases, and paper will need to be allocated and rationed at times.
For Best Practices and help during this shortage, here are some things you may wish to consider:
- American Express, Discover, MasterCard & Visa are no longer requiring signatures on credit card charges. So unless you have tips to consider, turn off the credit card signature receipt, or better yet, enable signature capture on your devices.
- Take advantage of and emailing or texting receipts to your customers. This is a big win because you can retain your customer’s data for future promotions, and have a positive impact on the environment
- Remember to Offer Pay at the Table in restaurants
- Take advantage of guest self-pay options (apps, kiosks, etc.)
- Use Signature Capture PIN pads
The new signature capture devices have become more affordable in every industry. These devices save you money by empowering you to electronically accept payments at the table, through a Kiosk or even through your phone. You also will reduce paper consumption by sending payment requests electronically through apps that automate the checkout process. It couldn’t be a better time to adopt these simple to use technologies to go paperless and save!
