Protecting Your Customers Credit Card Information

As an internet merchant who sells products or services online and accepts credit card payments. You have many security risks that need to be addressed in order to ensure the safety of your customers card information and your business. Currently the two main aspects of credit card processing security are “AVS” and CVV”. These two features allow for people to use their credit cards over the internet anonymously and need to be considered a requirement by any merchant accepting online credit card payments.

Address Verification Service (AVS)

“AVS” also known as Address Verification Service, was created for the purpose of determining if the address given in an online payment form matches the address that is associated with that particular credit card. This reason this is done is to help ensure that the person entering the credit card information online, is the actual credit card account holder or has been given that information from the account holder. While the AVS is not required to actually process online credit card transactions, when it is provided the payment processor will send a response back with details of how much of the address provided matches the address on the credit card.

An online credit card payment will not be declined if the address is entered wrong, it becomes the merchant’s decision to decide what to do if the address only partially matches or not at all. You have the option of denying the sale, requiring the buyer to submit additional information, or giving them the opportunity to correct the address submitted, before processing the transaction.

Card Verification Value (CVV)

The “CVV”, or card verification value, sometimes referred to as the CVV-2 is a three to four digit number found on the back of American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards. It’s on the card but not on any statements, so that if an individual has found a credit card statement in the trash, they aren’t able to complete a sale that requires the CVV code for verification purposes. When a customer is able to enter the CVV code, it’s a strong indication that the customer has the credit card in hand, which increases the potential of the card belonging to the person who is attempting to use it to make a purchase online.

Most credit card fraud online occurs when a thief has found a discarded receipt or a thrown out credit card statement, but by requiring the CVV code, the merchant can eliminate that type of fraud.

If the CVV number is entered but is incorrect, that transaction will be declined by the credit card issuer.

Providing Your Consumers with Top Notch Security

If you are going to be accepting online credit cards payment for your products or services, it’s very important that you give your customers the security of knowing that you are protecting their credit card information.

Credit card processing normally requires that the customer’s card information is transferred about four times, which means there are four chances when someone could gain access to the cardholder’s details. When a customer first sends the credit card information to you via your online shopping cart or web based form. You are solely responsible for the security of their card information at this stage in the credit card transaction process. Making sure you have a secure server and a valid security certificate with the https protocol will protect and encrypt private information you receive from customers.

You will want to be sure that the credit card processing software you use, also known as a payment gateway, for your business is secure by using a reputable processing company with experience in online payments. As customer information is moved in and out of a database through the transaction process, the security must be tight and this is ensured by choosing a solid company that offers encrypted software for this part of the process.

Finally, when customer credit card information is viewed or handled by you or anyone inside your company, it is just as important that you ensure security at this stage as well.

Looking to find the best deal on your Merchant Services, then visit www.tailoredtransactions.com to find the best advice on payment processing solutions for your business.

Mother’s Day Shopping Made Easy

Mothers Day is right around the corner and if you are not ready yet then it’s time to start shopping. For all intents and purposes, this holiday ranks right up there with Christmas for most moms. The more thought you put into the gift the happier mom will be. Mother’s Day shopping can be easy and worry free thanks to the internet.

Mother’s Day shopping is a great way to buy mom a gift you know she will love. You can have it sent directly to her house so you don’t have to worry about delivering the gift yourself or shipping it to her. Most companies will even take care of gift wrap and a personalized card from you to your mom. This way you can shop right from home and visit as many stores as needed to find the perfect gift.

For all the moms out there that love plants and flowers there are many options available. You can go with a simple bouquet or a bush or potted plant that will be a lasting reminder for years to come. Trees can even be found in many online nurseries so you can give your mom the perfect gift. Flowers have a way of making you smile any day of the year.

Most major stores now have web sites so you can pick from moms favorite store or find any gift you may be looking for. A bottle of her favorite perfume, a gift basket, or even gourmet candy can be great gifts for mom on her special day. The best part is that you never have to leave home to find that perfect gift.

If you are not sure what mom would like than you might think about a gift certificate or card to her favorite store. Restaurants offer gift cards now as well. Some of these can even be sent instantly through email. This might be a great idea if you have put off shopping until the last minute and no longer have time for a gift to be delivered.

Jewelry is almost always a safe gift for occasions like Mothers day. This is something that can last a lifetime and be a special reminder of this day for any mom. It can often be personalized to make it even more special for mom. You may consider adding a date or buying a locket and including a picture. Birth stones are also a nice touch to add to jewelry bought for Mothers Day.

There are also several sites to help in the task of choosing just the right gift. Of course if you can get a hint from her it can make your job much easier as well. Be sure to look around so you can find a gift you know she will love. Gifts can usually be found in just about any price range to help you stay on budget. It’s not the amount you spend but the thought that counts most.

Keep in mind that Mother’s day shopping requires you to find the best gift to show mom how much you love her and appreciate all the work she does. Start early and you can have plenty of time to find the perfect gift for your mom.

Online shopping is a convenient and popular way to shop for your mom in the modern age. Some products, like computers, are even customizable across the web. Buy products online for yourself and your loved ones today! http://www.airmilesshops.ca/.