5 Ways to Make Your Business Fraud-Free for the Holidays

What can you do as a business owner to make sure your business is ready for the holiday season? We've put together a list of five things to look out for as the shopping season ramps up. Remember, as more and more shoppers increase their online shopping activity, you can be better positioned with the right plan to approve more good transactions while avoiding fraudsters!

The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and, unfortunately, an increase in fraudulent activities. As businesses gear up for the festive rush, it's crucial to ensure that your payment fraud prevention measures are up to the task. To help you safeguard your transactions and revenue, we've compiled a comprehensive holiday checklist with five essential steps you should consider. Let's dive into each one:

1. Monitor Your Transaction Approval Rate

   • The first item on our checklist is to keep a close eye on your transaction approval rate. Ideally, this rate should be above 80%. If it falls below this threshold, it's a clear indicator that something might be amiss. A low approval rate could signify that legitimate transactions are being wrongly declined, causing frustration for your customers and potentially driving them away. Check out our comprehensive article about false declines to learn everything you need to know about maximizing approvals for good transactions.

2. Analyze Your Fraud Rate

   • Next, scrutinize your fraud rate. Anything over 1% warrants a closer look. A high fraud rate can be a red flag, indicating that fraudulent activities are slipping through the cracks. These incidents not only lead to financial losses but also tarnish your brand's reputation, so keep a close eye on this one!

3. Automate Decisioning for a Better Customer Experience

   • In the fast-paced holiday season, time is of the essence. Relying solely on manual reviews can slow down the transaction process and create a poor customer experience. Consider automating your decision-making processes with advanced fraud prevention tools. This not only speeds up the approval process but also allows your team to focus on high-risk cases that truly require human intervention.

4. Ditch Static Rules That Auto-Decline Transactions

   • Static rules that automatically decline transactions may seem like a straightforward way to prevent fraud, but they often lead to false declines. False declines occur when legitimate transactions are rejected due to rigid rule sets. This not only frustrates customers but also results in lost revenue. Instead, adopt a more dynamic and adaptable approach to fraud prevention that takes into account evolving fraud patterns. 

5. Choose a Reliable Fraud Prevention Partner

   • Last but certainly not least, selecting the right fraud prevention partner is paramount. Look for a partner who can guarantee the safety of your transactions and revenue. They should have a track record of success in dealing with holiday season fraud and provide you with the tools and expertise needed to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

See how Vesta's fraud prevention platform can help your business!

In conclusion, safeguarding your business from holiday season fraud requires a proactive and dynamic approach. By following this holiday checklist (and checking it twice), you can ensure that your fraud prevention measures are effective, customer-friendly, and capable of adapting to evolving threats. Remember, a secure and seamless holiday shopping experience not only protects your bottom line but also builds trust and loyalty among your customers.

Don't wait until the holiday rush is in full swing. Start implementing these fraud prevention strategies today to enjoy a worry-free and prosperous holiday season. Your customers, your team, and your revenue will thank you for it. If you're ready to see how Vesta can help--get in touch with us today. Happy holidays and secure shopping!