Top security practices (web browsing)

When our customer service team trains our client's staff they notice vulnerabilities in the organization's IT environment.  Many of these organizations are smaller and don't think they are at risk, however, they are more at risk by failing to implement simple and often free practices into their daily work routine.  

Below is a listing of general recommendations our customer service team has provided:

• Set your anti-virus and anti-spyware software to auto-update. 
• Use an Internet firewall (hardware or software). 
• Don't click pop-ups and never download files from websites you don't trust. 
• When making online transactions, be sure web addresses begin with https (not http) and look for a key or padlock icon in your browser window. 
• Upgrade your Internet browser. Newer browser versions support advanced security features, such as phishing site detection and extended security certificates. 
• Don't surf to other sites while you're visiting a secure site; finish your work within the secure site, sign out and close your browser before you move on.

Connected Pay's team of CPA's can help prevent security issues you may encounter.  For more information on PCI Security Standards, or best practices for web browsing, click Operations Consulting.    

Since Jan 2010, we have shown merchants +$294,000 in savings on their processing fees compared to their previous vendor.  We provide merchant accounts, terminals, gateways, virtual terminals, and merchant account pricing negotiations.  Check out our testimonials from our happy clients!

 

Update on CC processing rules

I. Executive Summary:

This posting examines the rules that govern merchant payment acceptance in regards to discounts and Surcharges.  Discounts for paying cash are allowed.  Surcharges are prohibited in 10 US States.  Visa and MasterCard discourage merchants from charging a surcharge.

II. Discounts:

1.    Visa Rules

a.    6.2 Visa merchants may not refuse to accept a Visa product that is properly presented for payment, for example, on the basis that the card is foreign-issued2, or co-branded with the merchant’s competitor's mark. Merchants may steer customers to an alternative method of payment, such as providing discounts for cash, but may not do so in a confusing manner that denies consumer choice. Merchants may also consider whether present circumstances create undue risk, for example if the sale involves high-value electronics, but the card signature panel is not signed, and the cardholder does not have any other identification.

b.    6.3 Visa merchants agree to accept Visa cards for payment of goods or services without charging any amount over the advertised price as a condition of Visa card acceptance, unless local law requires that merchants be permitted to engage in such practice.

Source: http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/visa-international-operating-regulations-core.pdf

2.     MasterCard Rules:

a.     A merchant must not directly or indirectly require any Cardholder to pay a surcharge or any part of any Merchant discount or an contemporaneous finance charge in connection with a Transaction.  A merchant may provide a discount its customers for cash payments.  A merchant is permitted to charge a fee (such as a bona fide commission, postage, expedited service or convenience fees, and the like) if the fee is imposed on all like transactions regardless of the form of payment used, or as the Corporation has expressly permitted in writing.  For purposes of this Rule

                                          i.    A surcharge is any fee charged in connection with a transaction that is not charged is another payment method is used.

                                         ii.    The Merchant discount is any fee a Merchant pays to an Acquirer so that the Acquirer will acquire the Transactions of the Merchant.

Source:  http://www.mastercard.com/us/merchant/support/rules.html

III. Surcharge Laws:

1.    10 States with No Surcharge Laws: In 10 states it is prohibited by law for retailers to charge consumers a fee for using a credit card (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas). Consumers who are subjected to checkout fees in states where they are protected by law may report the retailer to their state attorney general's office.

·         California

·         Colorado

·         Connecticut

·         Florida

·         Kansas

·         Maine

·         Massachusetts

·         New York

·         Oklahoma

·         Texas

Source:  http://usa.visa.com/merchants/operations/checkoutfees.html#10states

Why Have a Practice Web Page?

From by LARRY EMMOTT - Emmott on Technology

"Web pages are not just about attracting new patients.

Even more important is a major trend toward using web pages for a lot more than basic contact information. For example; recently I was having trouble setting up a new feature on my cell phone. I could have tried to find the owners manual. I could have taken it into the store where I bought it. I could have asked a friend how to do it. I could have phoned an 800 number and waited on hold. I could have done many things to solve my problem. However what I did do was go to the Internet.

I googled the companies web page, I located my phone model and opened up complete instructions on how to take care of my problem. In just a few minutes it was done. While I was on the web page, I could have chosen several new ring tones, ordered some accessories or checked my account balance.

A practice web page is not just an electronic yellow pages ad. A web page should provide service for existing customers as well as attracting new patients."

Examples of services for existing patients are allowing for patients to make payments online, appointment reminders, and refer a friend links.

Examples of services for new patients are electronic forms, service offering, financing methods, and doctor/staff profiles.

Wireless Credit Card Acceptance

Connected Pay's goal is to keep our clients up-to-date and competitive with payment solutions, to help our clients' customers make hassle free, secure online payments and to provide top client service.


Our newest product offering, the Way5000, from Way Systems.  This wireless unit looks like the old Nokia phones that were popular back in 2003.  Its simple design and easy to use features make it a popular product for mobile merchants who sell their goods while out and about.  Wireless credit card processing is growing in popularity with service providers who perform services at a client site.  Examples include plumbers, landscape contractors, car detailers, HVAC contractors, and small contractors.  

For those individuals that desire to process cards on their smart phone, Connected Pay's gateway partnership works with Porcess Away.  These product offerings are Connected Pay's commitment to keep our client's up-to-date with technology and to provide payment flexibility for our clients' customers.

As a one stop shop for credit card processing, Connected Pay offers a customized virtual terminal interface, merchant accounts and gateway services. We have done the research so you don't have to.  

For more information click on the links below:

Sign up today.     Contact Us.      Services.     Questions?

Emmott on Technology - Connected Pay

Connected Pay had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Larry Emmott at the UMKC Midwest Dental Conference. 

Dr. Emmott is the leading dental high tech authority in the country.  His knowledge and expertise are so greatly valued, he will be speaking or attending an event near you.  Larry Emmott Speaking schedule 2010.

His discussion topics range from:

• Computers in the Dental Office
• The Paperless Office
• Digital Radiography
• High Tech Infrastructure
• Using the Internet
• Advanced Products

If you are not able to attend one of the events, and you will be sad, Dr. Emmott has several technology guides available.  Technology Guides Link.
Additionally, Dr. Emmott regularly updates his blog with valuable information.  
Emmott on Technology Blog.

Were you aware most patients want to make online payments?  In fact 40% of them really would prefer to make online payments. 


Dr. Emmott stopped by the booth only a few days after he had written his "Take Online Payments" blog post.  Suppliers, such as Connected Pay have also noted patients desire to pay online and have developed turnkey solutions to leverage the use of the internet.

Take Online Payments

Below is a great and informative article written by Dr. Larry Emmott.

Take Online Payments

Easy online payments and affordable credit card processing

Accepting payments all day, everyday  

No other credit card processor can come close to to the performance of our virtual terminal.  It was created by CPAs specifically for service providers.  We know that service providers are held to a high level of accountability, which is why a general payment platform does not meet the needs of service professionals.  The need for dynamic payment fields, easy navigation, top encryption and professional looks were the building blocks behind the Connected Pay virtual terminal.  In addition, it had to be simple turn-key solution designed for uncompromising service providers. Whether you are a veteran of e-Commerce or just e-Curious, Connected Pay's service is straightforward, effective and proven.  

Sign up today to increase cash flows, offer payment convenience, differentiate yourself, and above all, reduce administrative time to be the provider your clients expect you to be. 

Sample of the Connected Pay Payment Page

Connected Pay's mission to keep our clients up-to-date and competitive with payment solutions, to help our clients' customers make hassle free, secure online payments and to provide top client service.  We offer a customized virtual terminal interface, merchant accounts and gateway services. We have done the research so you don't have to.  

Sign up today.  Contact Us.  Services. Questions?