Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only things that can haunt your business in October. Payment fraud, chargebacks, and system glitches can sneak up when you least expect them—and that’s scarier than any haunted house.

But don’t worry. With a few simple tricks (and no tricks of the bad kind), you can make sure your payments stay secure all season long. Here’s how to keep your transactions safe, smooth, and totally fright-free.

1. Watch for Suspicious Activity

Fraudsters love holidays. Why? Because businesses are busy, and staff may be distracted.

What to do:

• Review transactions regularly for unusual behavior, like large orders from new customers or mismatched billing and shipping info.
  
• Set alerts for high-value purchases or failed login attempts.
  
• Make sure your fraud detection tools are turned on and up to date.
  
  

2. Update Your Payment System

An outdated terminal or POS system can be an open door for trouble, like leaving the lights off in a horror movie.

What to do:

• Install the latest software updates and patches.
  
• Replace any aging or malfunctioning terminals.
  
• Make sure your system supports EMV chip cards, contactless payments, and encryption.
  
  

3. Train Your Team

Even a well-meaning employee can accidentally approve a sketchy transaction.

What to do:

• Remind your team to verify ID for large or unusual purchases.
  
• Teach them how to spot potential fraud signals, like rushed customers or repeat card declines.
  
• Make sure they know who to contact if something feels off.
  
  

4. Secure Online Checkouts

If you sell online, your website should be just as secure as your storefront—no cobwebs or creaky code allowed.

What to do:

• Use HTTPS encryption and a secure payment gateway.
  
• Offer trusted payment options like digital wallets and verified cards.
  
• Require CVV codes and use address verification to reduce fraud risk.
  
  

5. Stay Alert for Chargebacks

Sometimes a “friendly” customer dispute isn’t so friendly after all.

What to do:

• Keep detailed records of sales and delivery confirmations.
  
• Clearly communicate return and refund policies.
  
• Respond quickly to chargeback notifications and dispute any errors.
  
  

Don’t Let Payment Problems Haunt You

A little extra care now can save you from a real nightmare later. Whether you’re running a fall festival, prepping for Halloween sales, or just trying to close out Q4 strong, keeping payments secure should be part of your plan.

Want help making your payment system as safe as a bowl of candy on your doorstep?
Reach out today and let’s scare off fraud together—before it even knocks.