Whatever the size or nature of your business, cases of fraud do happen. Fraudulent behaviour online takes various forms, from stolen credit card details to system hacking. The key is to keep your site up-to-date with the best security practices. Here are some steps you can take to minimise fraud.

Web site security

Make sure your web site is equipped with security facilities like SSL, encryption and firewall. This can ensure that your database (especially sensitive sales information) and transmissions are safe from being accessed by outsiders.

Order details

Convince your customers to provide adequate information upon ordering, especially contact information. Make sure that the customer is a legitimate cardholder. More attention is required for suspicious orders (like remote delivery addresses or simultaneous multiple orders).

Free-mail addresses

Some fraudsters attempt to mask their identity by using a free-mail address. While most users of free-mail addresses are indeed legitimate, caution should be exercised for orders with free-mail addresses, especially when this is the only way to contact the customers.

Out-of-norm orders

Be wary of orders that fall outside usual ordering patterns, like bulk orders or purchases that greatly exceed the average transaction amount.

IP records

Take caution if orders are made from odd locations (which are sometimes traceable with the IP addresses), especially where credit card fraud is more common.

Proof of delivery

Get a signed proof of delivery or receipt if available upon retrieval request.

Returns

It is also advisable to devise and maintain clear, easy to understand and consistent product return policies to keep customers well-informed.