Why PCI? The Inside Scoop On Payment Card Security Regulations.

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec. 17, 2010 - The importance of Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS) has been brought to our attention over the past year.  More so than ever has it become evident that the security of card holder data needs to stepped up!  Over the past few years, there have been a number of unfortunate data breaches, which included credit card numbers stolen.  Many may not see themselves at risk, but any time a credit card is used, there is a risk of their info being stolen.  However, if merchants take the appropriate measures then card holders (over 1 billion of us) can rest easier.  It is all of our responsibility to secure ourselves and others from being victim to credit card fraud.

So we wonder…  
How familiar are merchants with PCI?
44%: Very Familiar
42%: Somewhat Familiar
5%: Not at all Familiar
9%: Unsure
*Source: National Retail Federation, 2009

How do we increase merchant’s awareness?  Education.   As a merchant service provider, we have taken extra measures to educate our merchants on how to stay protected and in turn keep their patrons safe.  All businesses that accept credit card payments are not required to meet the PCI DSS.  There is a questionnaire that the business needs to fill out and submit to determine whether or not the business passes the security standards (along with some other measures, depending on how the merchant takes the credit card payment).   Seems easy enough? Unfortunately not.  I am not really sure who the lingo of the questionnaire is geared for, but it sure isn’t simple.  We have had many merchants try to become compliant, yet they don’t understand the questions.  So what do we do? We, First Global Merchant Services, drive over to their place of business and go through the questionnaire with them, explain the questions and educate the merchant to be able to answer the questionnaire.  If we team up, and all take responsibility of getting the payment processing industry safe from fraud and breaches, we will all be secure.

If you have any questions visit http://www.fgmsusa.com for details.

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First Global Merchant Services is an electronic payment provider. We are a registered tier 1 merchant service provider with Visa and MasterCard which allows us to offer our clients the most competitive pricing while providing ongoing customer support.