With the end of summer closing in on us and the fast approach of the holiday months, seasonal sales are on the rise and many merchants will be collecting card payments in larger amounts. Generally, larger volumes of card payments can mean increased chances for encountering fraud and customer disputes. One way that you can reduce these risks is by using the latest in mobile processing technology to ensure higher levels of payment security and create greater ease for both you and your customer. In line with the latest trends in Smartphone technology, ProPay offers several types of mobile solutions, such as the JAK, FLASH or Verifone’s PayWare Mobile which can facilitate your business efforts and offer increased security while you are transacting payments over these busier months.

Besides the added touch of sleek professionalism one of these devices can give to you business or even the possibility for less costly card-present rates, they also offer key security features which are increasingly important in this information-age where data is easily stolen and abused:

The most important of these features is encryption and tokenization of security-sensitive data. Each of these processes makes it more difficult for hackers to steal information, and ProPay’s mobile devices encrypt and tokenize card information at the point of the swipe. Some devices on the market will load the information and then encrypt, which leaves a brief window where data can be hacked or stolen. ProPay’s encryption and tokenization strategies do not allow for any such window. That means that the risk of the card information being fully viewed and compromised is greatly reduced.

Another feature of these devices that can reduce risks for card fraud is the possibility to receive an instantaneous approval or decline message as long as the device is receiving data service or is connected to the Internet. Receiving an instant authorization reduces the need to write down and carry sensitive information in an unsecure environment, and it gives you peace of mind that you have received valid payment for your goods or services.

Swiping the card to any of these devices also verifies that the card was present at the time of the transaction, and with some of the devices offered by ProPay, the customer can even sign electronically. Likewise, the device can collect the card number, name on the card, expiration date and billing zip code automatically by reading the information store on the card’s magnetic strip. Together, proof of card presence, customer signatures and collecting accurate card information act as supplementary proof of authorization if the need arises to reply to a dispute with a customer’s bank. To learn more on the importance of correct address information, see this post.

Finally, a major concern in the risk management of card payments is that the customer may not recognize the transaction you have processed and will sometimes question the charge with their bank. A situation such as this may lead to a loss of funds on your account and create additional hassles. One way to deal with this risk is to make sure that the customer is aware of the charge. The features on some of ProPay’s mobile devices allow you to send an email notification to your customer alerting them of the charge, avoiding an unnecessary confusion or disputes.

Keep in mind, though, that a mobile payments device cannot entirely eliminate the risks associated with card processing. Maintaining good records and communicating effectively with your customers and your merchant processing service company, hand-in-hand with any of these devices, can greatly reduce those risks to the lowest degree possible. For additional tips on reducing fraud, whether you are using a mobile swipe device or entering transactions manually, please read this post. And remember, ProPay risk management and customer service staff are always willing to respond to any questions or concerns as you prepare for handling card payments this busy season.