The Truth About EMV!

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True.  Bats see just fine, and in spite of the idiom “blind as a bat”, bats really have no reason to serve as the benchmark for people with less than perfect eyesight.

Popular myths aside, fall is indeed upon us, which means that the start date of October 1st for the liability shift is near.  Are you prepared?

To test your EMV preparedness, see if you can determine whether each statement is true or false.

There really is no proof that EMV is a safer way to protect data.

False, false, and false.  Let’s look at two case studies.  Since introducing EMV technology in 2004, the United Kingdom reported 62% less fraud in 2013.  Canada has also reduced fraud losses to $29.5 million since transitioning to EMV technology.  Fraud in Canada is down 79% from losses in 2009 ($142 million).  With EMV technology responsible for the significant decrease in fraud in the UK and Canada, the technology aims to also decrease fraud in the United States as well, which currently accounts for nearly half of fraud worldwide.

All businesses—small and large—should be EMV-compliant.

True.  No business is too small to adopt EMV technology.  While it might be assumed that businesses with larger sales should adopt this technology, small businesses should also be sure to protect their sales as well.  Leave it to a pesky fraudster to think ahead and target a small business because the merchant assumed that fraudsters only targeted larger companies.  Prevent being caught off guard by being one step ahead of those who want to steal from you.

Adopting EMV technology is expensive.

For the business owner that thinks long term, false.  The average cost of an EMV terminal is between $400 and $700.  The average bill on a fraudulent card is $399.  You do the math.  While one fraudulent transaction probably won’t destroy you, starting October 1st, you, and not the associated bank, will be responsible for repaying losses resulting from fraud if your business is NOT EMV compliant.  You will also be penalized for the fraud that could have been avoided by installing an EMV card terminal.  When you add it all up, $400 to $700 is a small investment compared to the possible cost of not adopting the technology.  What’s more, card processors such as COCARD often discount card readers.  So call us today, and we will work within your budget.

In addition to business owners, employees should also be trained on how to properly use EMV technology.

True.  While you are schooling yourself on the ABC’s of EMV, don’t leave your employees in the dark.  Whether through workshops, a training program, or printed manuals, employees should understand how card terminals work for both themselves and customers who need assistance.  COCARD can work with you to develop a training program that’s right for your company.

So how did you do?  Did you get the right answers?  Regardless, this information will be useful as your company prepares for the coming liability shift and transition to EMV.  With foresight, you can protect your company from fraud and ensure, to the best of your ability, an environment that maximizes both security and profits.  There’s nothing batty about it, EMV we mean.

 

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EMV FAQs

AMX-CHASE-B-W-1024x992Watch out—the future has arrived. And they call it EMV. As the target date for businesses to accept EMV payment cards draws near, make sure your business is ready to transition seamlessly from magnetic stripe cards to EMV. October 1st is upon us. Are you ready?

This list of FAQs will help you answer lingering questions and stay abreast of new developments with EMV technology.

What does EMV stand for?

It is an acronym for its developers Europay, Mastercard and Visa.

What’s the main difference between the cards we use now and EMV cards?

Magnetic stripe cards are the cards currently used in the United States and have a magnetic strip on the back. These cards are swiped through a card reader and contain static financial information that can be easily duplicated by card readers. EMV cards, on the other hand, contain a microchip that produces a new code with each transaction, preventing fraudsters from gaining access to sensitive data on the card. EMV cards are therefore more secure than magnetic stripe cards, and are responsible for a worldwide decrease in fraud.

How will switching to EMV directly benefit my business?

Great question. EMV will benefit your business threefold. First, your risk of chargebacks based on fraudulent transactions is greatly reduced. Whereas banks bore the brunt of the financial weight for fraud in the past, companies that have not adopted EMV technology will now be held accountable starting October 1st, when the liability shift starts. Adopting EMV technology will protect your business from costs associated with fraud. Second, as technology evolves faster than you can say Darwin, EMV is simply the beginning. Most of the hardware that accepts EMV will also allow your business to accept payment innovations such as mobile apps (i.e. mobile couponing and loyalty programs) and contactless payments. Third, you will be able to accept payment from visitors from other countries. Much of the world has already adopted this technology and no longer uses magnetic stripe cards. So prepare your business to increase profits by switching to a payment technology that more people can use.

I’ve been hearing the term “liability shift” a lot lately. What exactly is it?

It is when liability for card fraud switches from banking institutions to merchants. On October 1, 2015, businesses that aren’t updated to accept EMV cards will be held responsible for card swiped transactions on EMV capable cards that are found to be fraudulent. And penalties can be costly, particularly for small businesses. However, if your business is EMV-compatible, you will not be held accountable for fraudulent transactions.

As a small business owner, every penny counts. How much will it cost me to install an EMV-capable terminal?

EMV card readers cost between $400 and $700 but are often discounted through payment processors such as COCARD. Speak with us today—your EMV solution might even be free.

One thing to remember is that as the United States fully transitions to using EMV technology, cards will include both the microchip and magnetic strip. The process is expected to take anywhere between three and five years.

COCARD aims to develop our reputation as experts on EMV. We will continue to keep you posted on new developments and new ways of looking at this groundbreaking technology.

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EMV-compliant card reader.

Are You Ready for EMV?

silver American express chip card shown dipped, or being processed, in an emv terminalYou are probably hearing a lot about EMV in the news and maybe even receiving a few scary calls from merchant service providers who imply that EMV has something to do with PCI Compliance.  For the record EMV has NOTHING to do with PCI Compliance and no matter what software you are running on your POS COCARD can manage your EMV. Relax, COCARD is ready for EMV and we are here to help YOU be ready too.

A little background: EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa; it is the global standard for cards equipped with computer chips and the technology used to authenticate chip-card transactions.  Have you heard about all the data breaches in the last few years? EMV is the card association’s answer to these breaches, the technology has been used in Europe for more than 10 years and they have seen a drastic reduction in credit card fraud.

What happens?

In the beginning your exposure will be minimal because the only liability for fraud will be with cards that have chips implanted.  However, as time goes on, and if EMV becomes the new standard, your exposure will increase. If a chip card is used at a business that has not changed its system to accept chip technology and this chip card is fraudulent then the counterfeit card can be successfully used and cost of this fraud will fall back on the merchant.

What does this new technology mean to your business?

The switch to EMV means adding a new in-store technology to your current processing system or not.  Chances are you may already be EMV ready but in either case don’t worry, COCARD is here to help! Most importantly the EMV technology means greater protection against fraud in your business.

For ongoing updates and the most current information about EMV, PCI, card association updates and fraud alerts like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Who We Are

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CoCard is an industry leader in Point of Sale / POS payment processing with advanced debit and credit card processing software and hardware.

Since 1999, CoCard has led the way in payment processing services, staying one step ahead of the curve. During this time, we’ve built a strong reputation in the processing industry and gained both the tools and management to turn your business into everything you have ever dreamed.

CoCard has also developed one of the most complete and robust selections of payment and authentication services in the industry, making CoCard the perfect option for a business that’s just getting on its feet, or one that’s been established for years.

What We Do

CoCard offers a wide selection of fully integrated, bank-neutral credit card and cash management products. We enhance our core-product offerings with best-in-class risk management and authentication tools. Your business’ security and safekeeping is the highest priority for CoCard.

We link merchants and entrepreneurs to customers and financial institutions, overseeing the secure transfer of funds. In seconds, we are able to securely process MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, JCB and many other card types on behalf of any merchant card issuers.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make your electronic payment and authentication services simple, reliable, secure and cost effective. Simply put, we strive to offer you the best merchant services available.

HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION

Bank Certified and Recommended

Many merchant service providers claim to be as qualified and distinguished as CoCard, but very few have been certified and recommended by major banks. Bank certification ensures that all payment and financial systems have been rigorously scrutinized for accuracy and reliability. Banks only recommend organizations that have ample training and support mechanisms in place to serve their customers. Because CoCard is bank certified and recommended, you can be assured that we will serve your needs with the highest level of expertise.

Person-to-Person Service – One Call Resolution

CoCard works as a consultant for our customers. Our support technicians take the time to provide you with good advice and get you online fast and hassle-free. We are there for you when you need help the most. When you call our offices, you talk to a real person who can address your real needs. Stop arguing with an automated voice, and start conversing with a living, breathing professional.

Security

CoCard protects you and your customers with our industry-leading 4096-bit encryption and SSL. Our systems are monitored 24 hours a day by one of the leading firewall monitoring and intrusion detection firms. Any attempts at unauthorized access to our systems are immediately logged and appropriate security measures are taken. In addition, CoCard and its affiliates are all PCI compliant. Your business’ security and safekeeping are the highest of every employee’s priorities.

Speed

Every second counts for you and your customers. CoCard’s support and equipment ensures that your customer will be taken care of in a timely manner. Your marketing and sales strategies are optimized by efficient payment systems, so you spend less time calculating, and more time reaching potential clients.

Simplicity

CoCard specializes in electronic payments, so you don’t have to be an expert. We have a wide variety of integration methods and APIs available for all popular operating systems. We have invested in enterprise class servers and redundant data/banking feeds, and we hire skilled, trained technicians to oversee them all . Our systems are monitored 24 hours a day from 3 different locations to ensure that our services are always available to our clients.

Accuracy & Availability

With CoCard, your credit card transaction, electronic checks truncation, and gift and loyalty information is available to you for review 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Flexibility

We want to earn your business, which is why CoCard is dedicated to building commerce solutions customized to your needs. In addition to integrating the best in third-party, risk-management services, we have developed many of our own services in-house. The CoCard system can be used for small-business segment applications, as well as large complex financial applications.

Low Cost / High Value

CoCard provides the best value in the industry with our extraordinary services at low cost. Some of the most recognized names in business have chosen the CoCard solution for their needs.

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Meet Rex, Weekend Support Specialist

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Take some time getting to know one of CoCard’s most promising employees, Technical Support Specialist, Rex Peterson!

Currently a Computer Science major at Georgia State University, Rex’s love for coding, mobile applications, and all things tech has led him to CoCard’s headquarters in Decatur. His strong knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and program development makes him a fully qualified member of CoCard’s bilingual support team.

Rex is the newest member of our weekend support team, available to assist you when nobody else can. Rex is in place and on call to answer any questions regarding technical support, customer transaction services, and terminal download assistance.

Aren’t you tired of constantly dealing with automated voices and answering machines? Stop wasting time and money sitting on hold, and start receiving intelligent, insightful tech assistance from our 24/7 support staff! Call us for support today!

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