Father’s Day is the fourth most significant commemorative date in terms of financial movement in Brazilian retail. However, the period that boosts sales also attracts the attention of criminals. A recent survey by Serasa Experian reveals a concerning scenario: Brazil has recorded over 1 million fraud attempts per month, equivalent to one every 2.2 seconds.
This scenario of opportunity and risk requires entrepreneurs, both in physical and online stores, to be extra vigilant to ensure secure transactions and avoid losses that go beyond the value of a single sale. ‘Father’s Day is a celebration that drives the economy in the second half of the year. Therefore, it’s important for entrepreneurs to focus on providing the best experience for their customers without worrying about scams. Security is an essential pillar to build trust and retain consumers,’ says Lourdes Quintana, Head of Illicit Act Prevention at Getnet Brasil.
With this in mind, Getnet, a global payment fintech from the Santander group, has compiled a series of security guidelines to help retailers protect their businesses and sell more safely during this period, both in physical and digital environments.
Tips for physical stores:
- Be cautious with Pix payments on card machines:Always check your bank statement or app to confirm that the amount from the Pix transaction was actually credited to your account before releasing the product. Do not rely solely on the receipt shown by the customer, as it may be fake.
- Beware of the ‘card machine swap’ scam:Be alert so that, in a moment of distraction, your device is not swapped with a fraudster’s machine, which would then receive the payments from your sales.
Be wary of unexpected technical visits:Instruct your team not to hand over equipment to supposed technicians who show up at the store without a prior appointment or official contact from the payment company.
Tips for e-commerce:
- Monitor suspicious activities:Keep an eye out for unusual behaviors, such as the same customer making multiple purchases with different cards in a short time frame or a large volume of orders to the same delivery address.
- Protect your customers’ data:Use secure e-commerce platforms and invest in security certificates (SSL) to protect payment information and consumers’ personal data.
- Beware of Chargebacks in Payment Links:To avoid disputes, confirm that the buyer’s identity matches the cardholder’s before shipping the product. In case of a dispute and chargeback, the merchant will need evidence that the sale was made to the card owner. Describe items in detail on the invoice, keep shipping receipts, and monitor transactions with suspicious behavior.
‘High-traffic dates like Father’s Day require a smart and secure operation. Tools that validate transactions in real-time and protect merchants from fraud and chargebacks are essential. Investing in prevention ensures the financial health of the business and customer trust, resulting in more sales and loyalty,’ concludes Lourdes.
