Telephonic payment transactions come with the ever-present threat of credit card fraud. The horror stories are many, from financial losses running into thousands to irreversible damage to a company’s reputation.
With the need for convenient digital transactions, businesses are caught in a whirlwind of technological advancements and looming cyber threats.
The Alarming Rise in Identity Fraud Scams
One of the most pressing concerns for cardholders today is credit card fraud. A recent study in 2022 unveiled some chilling statistics. In the preceding year, identity fraud scams led to staggering losses estimated at $28 billion, affecting a whopping 15 million consumers in the U.S. alone. This category of scams is particularly insidious as they involve direct criminal interaction with unsuspecting victims.
Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission reported receiving approximately 390,000 complaints about credit card fraud in 2021. This figure places it as the second most reported category, trailing only behind fraud linked to government documents or benefits.
While digital and online transactions have reduced the frequency of phone-based payments, certain situations still rely on this method. The typical information shared during phone transactions includes names, card numbers, expiration dates, CVVs, and sometimes billing ZIP codes. Such transactions lack the protective layers available in in-person or online payments, like signatures or encrypted card chips, making them more susceptible to fraud.
Risks of Unprotected Phone Payments
Financial Consequences: A single security breach can lead to devastating financial repercussions. Unauthorized transactions, compensations, and potential lawsuits can financially strain a business.
Reputational Damage: A company’s reputation is its most valuable asset. A security breach can erode years of trust built with clients, making them hesitant to transact in the future.
Regulatory Penalties: Failing to adhere to standards like PCI-DSS can result in substantial penalties, adding to a company’s financial burdens.
Lost Sales: A convoluted and insecure telephonic transaction process can deter clients. Nowadays, consumers demand swift and efficient processes. You risk losing sales on the spot by telling potential clients on a phone call to navigate to a website to pay for the services they need.
Business Challenges Without Secure Phone Payment Tools
Balancing Tech-Savvy and Traditional Demands: Modern businesses face the unique challenge of catering to a diverse clientele. While younger generations may prefer tech-driven solutions, older demographics lean towards traditional methods such as telephonic payment transactions. Striking the right balance is crucial yet challenging.
Adapting to Rapid Technological Evolution: The rapid pace of technological advancements means that businesses must be agile. However, this constant adaptation strains resources, especially for service providers who must continuously upgrade their offerings to stay relevant.
Evolving Standards of PCI Compliance: With technology evolving, so do the standards governing it. PCI Compliance is no exception. Businesses must keep abreast of these ever-changing standards, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Fortifying Telephonic Payment Security: SimpleVoIP and EMU SecureCall
Two names stand out as pioneers in secure phone payment transactions: SimpleVoIP and EMU SecureCall.
SimpleVoIP: Renowned for its advanced digital communication solutions, it equips businesses with the tools they need to cater to tech-savvy and traditional clients.
EMU SecureCall: A specialist in secure card payment solutions, its services ensure that every transaction, whether in a bustling retail environment or a medical office, is safeguarded against potential threats.
The Power of Integration
EMU SecureCall and SimpleVoIP offer a transformative solution for telephone transactions, emphasizing security and efficiency. When a customer is prepared to pay, the merchant activates the system using a simple web app accessible from their mobile device. Instead of the merchant manually entering card details, the customer inputs the information using their phone’s dial pad. The merchant can view only ‘masked’ versions of the customer’s details throughout this process, ensuring utmost confidentiality.
This setup keeps sensitive card information from the direct business environment and lets the merchant guide the customer through real-time transactions. Once the details are provided, the merchant finalizes the payment and receives instant confirmation. By leveraging EMU SecureCall, businesses benefit from low costs, enhanced security measures, streamlined operations, and a consistent adherence to PCI-DSS standards.
Conclusion
The challenges of the digital age are many, but with foresight and the right partnerships, they can be navigated successfully. As phone-based transactions are still prevalent, prioritizing security and adaptability is paramount. With the combined expertise of SimpleVoIP and EMU SecureCall, businesses can confidently offer telephonic payment transactions, ensuring growth and security in tandem. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us, and we can provide you with a free consultation.
