Cheque and Credit / Store Card Fraud - what can you do about it?

For a fraudster who knows what he or she is doing, it is not difficult for signatures on plastic cards to be erased, or for the signature strip to be replaced.   Failing that, fraudsters master the art of forging signatures. They hope that retail staff will not notice, or, not challenge any differences.

All staff should be trained to:

• Watch the customer sign.  Staff should keep hold of the card so that they can make sure the signatures match; 
• Examine the signature strip for any signs of tampering; 
• Check the front of the card to ensure the authentic indented MC or V signs are there (Credit Cards);
• Check the start and expiry dates on the card; 
• Ensure customers are aware that you are carrying out these checks; 
• Telephone for authorisation, where appropriate, or for cheque guarantee cards, telephone the relevant helpline number; 
• Vary the authorisation levels frequently, even between different stores in the same chain; 
• Refer to a list of lost or stolen cards, if there is one available; 
• Check any supporting identification, such as driving licence, where appropriate. 

Some retailers use equipment at the point of sale which automatically obtains authorisation for every plastic card transaction. This detects cards immediately after they have been reported stolen. It is, however, still important to carry out the above checks.  There can be a delay in the true owner realising the card is missing and reporting it stolen.

The Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) represents the interests of banks and building societies in the prevention of plastic card fraud, and run an ongoing campaign called "Card Watch". Retailers can telephone APACS for a Retailer Training Pack on 0990 500005.

When an incident occurs

• Don't take risks. Staff should not withhold a plastic card if they feel that it will put them at risk of violence from the fraudster. However, it is often fairly easy to retain a card, as fraudsters are normally quick to leave the premises if they think they have aroused suspicion. 
• The card should be handled as little as possible. When handling the card, it should be by the edges. This will help to preserve any fingerprints or other forensic evidence. 
• Cut the botton left hand corner off the card to prevent any further use of it. But, make sure that the signature strip and hologram are not damaged in any way. 
• If you hand the card over to the police, note the name and number of the officer, the location of their station, and obtain a receipt. Then advise the bank. 

Counterfeit currency and gift vouchers

Retailers should be alert to the use of counterfeit currency. Forgers tend to produce high denomination banknotes - £20 and £50. The forging of gift vouchers is easier as their designs are often less intricate and easier to copy than banknotes.

What can you do about it? 

• Ensure that all staff check high denomination banknotes for the watermark, and for the vertical silver strip. 
• Forgeries are often inferior quality. Watch out for banknotes with slightly different colouring, and ones which feel as though they have been printed on poor quality paper. 
• Forging techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and some forgeries can be very difficult to spot. There are special detection devices available, consult your local crime prevention officer for further advice. 
• If you accept gift vouchers, make sure staff are aware of their designs, their paper quality, and any other checks which are built into them. 
• Make checks obvious to the cutomer. In many cases, it will be possible to preserve the evidence, as a fraudster will leave quickly if they think they have aroused suspicion. But, staff should not take any risks in attempting to do this. 
• Report any incident or suspicion to the police. Your local crime prevention officer will also be able to warn you if there is a spate of forgery incidents in your area.