The Payment Source Blog

There are many things you need to consider as a C-store owner or operator to ensure the business runs smoothly, from your product mix offering to ensuring your inventory is fully stocked. However, one important thing that is often overlooked, is educating and protecting yourself and your employees on current scams. It may seem like it's easy to detect fraud but fraudsters are persistent and clever and are constantly evolving their techniques. In fact, 34% of Canadians have fallen victim to fraud last year, with many stating that it's hard to detect fraud as these fraudsters are very convincing in imitating legitimate companies (see source).

C-store owners work very hard to grow their business, so when they are hit with fraud, there are various impacts. It's not only the financial losses, but it also adds a lot of unneeded stress and uncertainty. That is why it is imperative to educate yourself and your employees on ways to protect yourself and your business. Below is a list of three common scams and the steps you need to take to insure your business is protected from fraud:

1. Telephone Scams: a scam that occurs when a fraudster calls your store and impersonates a legitimate company that you work with such as a supplier. They will appear as if they know you and your business, and will usually call you at busy times to make you feel rushed. They will ask you for sensitive information pertaining to your business.

   How to protect yourself: Hang up! Once you are no longer busy, find the number to the company from a legitimate source like a secured website, and call them to verify the earlier call.