Any business can be the victim of fraud. Large businesses have resources to prevent fraud and resources to recover from the financial loss. A small business, however, may not have the resources to install programs to prevent fraud, and it may not be able to recover from the financial loss. The three most common types of fraud can cause big problems for small business owners.

Check and credit card schemes

The illegal use of checks and credit cards is becoming more sophisticated because of technology, and businesses must always be on the lookout for this type of fraud. To avoid check fraud, be sure that any check you accept has at least one perforated edge, a background design, and a bank logo, name, and address. Checks that have been photocopied usually look faded or the print is not crisp.

MasterCard and Visa cards have three numbers on the signature blank on the back that are italicized (card verification value). Ask for the three digit number to deter thieves who have stolen credit card numbers, but do not have the actual card. Also, Visa account numbers begin with a 4 and contain 13-16 digits. MasterCard accounts begin with a 5 and contain 16 digits. American Express account numbers begin with either 34 or 37. Always ask for a picture ID from anyone writing a check or using a credit card.

Illegal Loan Offers

Individuals illegally posing as lenders may target small business owners, because they believe they are more vulnerable. If you are asked to pay an up-front processing fee, be sure that it is a legitimate lender. Also be cautious if you receive a letter or phone call telling you that you are pre-approved to purchase or lease equipment. Do not send any money unless you know that the offer was legitimately made by a reputable company.

Any legitimate lender will check your credit or review your business plan before they loan you money or lease equipment to you. You should be suspicious of phone calls, emails, or letters that unconditionally pre-approve you for anything. Never send money unless you know that you are dealing with a legitimate firm. Also, it is always a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general's office to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.

Web Site Credit Card Fraud

Your customers must feel secure when they conduct transactions on your website. There are certain steps you can take to protect your customers. As with other credit card transactions, ask for the three-digit number located on the back of the card. Ask customers for their billing address or ZIP code and be sure the information matches. If you have the customers phone number, you can call to confirm the order.

There are fraud-prevention services that you can hire and fraud detection services that you can buy. There is a service called Payer Authentication that matches and verifies the credit card information. There are solutions that are scalable and can be integrated with your current processing methods. Most importantly, trust your intuition. If something does not feel right, there is probably something wrong.

Jo Ann Joy, Esq., MBA, CEO Copyright 2006 Indigo Business Solutions. All rights reserved.