Help reduce fraud when accepting credit cards online:
Late night orders tend to have more fraudulent transactions then during the day
Orders from certain countries can be suspect check with your processor for this list Orders in higher volume then you usually receive could be fraud. Cybercrooks don’t care how high the bill is, since they don’t intend to pay it Email addresses that seem to have no apparent connection to the customer’s name or include random characters could be an attempt to mask identity If a customer does not supply full information which includes the complete address and phone number consider not accepting this order If they are available, utilize CVC2 (MasterCard) and CVV2 (Visa). These two numbers are the three unique digits on the back of a MasterCard and Visa credit card. These are used in situations where the card is not present, e.g. mail order, telephone order and Internet credit card transaction.
Stopping fraud and chargebacks at the point of sale for retail merchants (card present)
Verify cardholder’s signature to make sure it is the same as the name embossed on the card. Compare the signature on the card to that on the sales slip. Do not continue to seek authorizations on a declined transaction; do not reduce the amount requested and do not repeat the request Process refunds to your customers account quickly, always using the same credit card number from the original sale. Never give a customer a refund by cash or check. Make sure the information that prints on the credit card receipts matches what is printed on the credit card.
We at The Hope Process are following Mark on his biking Journey across country. He is on the "Bike the US for MS" which we posted about in our earlier blog posts. Here is his latest entry:
June 17 – By Mark
After a good night’s sleep at the Rough River Dam State Park, I joined a few riders up at the lodge for the park’s famous breakfast buffet. I told myself I wouldn’t over eat like last night but two plates later I was quickly regretting eating that last biscuit. One way or another though a 75 mile day was ahead and nothing was going to come close to slowing me down from beating the afternoon heat. I left the lodge with Ben Dymond and Bret Taylor soon caught up with us a few miles down the road. We got into a sweet peloton going about 20 mph and then later talked about what the Midwest towns will be looking like in a few weeks. The fact that we’re going to be almost doubling some towns’ population still leaves me in awe. When we got to the first stop I got a quick bite to eat and headed out just a few minutes later with the early morning crew who had been at the stop for a while already. After just a few miles we hit some rolling hills and the group began to split up and ride on their own. Leigh and I ended up missing the second stop so we got some food at the next town’s diner. It wasn’t the nicest place I’ve seen but after interacting with the locals they won us over and sent us out the door feeling happy and full. It happens time and time again; you tell people what you’re up to and after they get over the initial shock of seeing you in tight spandex they really warm up to you and start talking. Our waitress couldn’t have been more than 15 but she was telling us about how she plays tennis for her school and recently placed in the county tourney. My mind flashed back to my last two college years where I’ve picked up tennis and play it almost every week. Still can’t get my serve down though!
We rode an easy 8 miles to Sebree, Kentucky where we were staying at a church. While waiting for a shower I dominated a couple games of ping pong and helped prepare dinner too. At the church we stayed at lives Violet nearby, a wonderful lady who takes it upon herself to cook meals for cyclists who stay at the church. She’s been hosting cyclists for thirty years and she said we were her biggest group yet. Watching her cook dinner and converse with us really humbled me, I couldn’t get over her kindness and genuine concern for us and every person who she crosses paths with. After getting a hot shower I prepared the garlic bread while Stephen peeled the sweet potatoes, Jeff cut the cantaloupe, and Rose and Violet’s grandkids made the brownies. Dinner with everyone was incredible, it was like we were all a big family, all eating together. I began to realize that that’s just what we have become here on this trip.
Late night activities including playing a few games of ping pong and watching the NBA finals. Some kids went down to the dairy bar for a late night milkshake fix but I was set for the night. I took advantage of the church’s free wi-fi and watched an episode of Lost before bed. It took a little while to find a quiet place to sleep, away from the snorers, but the church’s Sunday school room turned out to be a good find.
We at "The Hope Process" wanted to talk about choosing the best Processor for you.
1. Be Aware of all Processing Options. Credit, Debit and EBT are the processing options most utilized by merchants. Ask for a definition of each one, if you are not familiar with them.
2. Don’t settle for less than 24/7 Customer and Technical Support. You should receive 24/7 Customer Service/Technical Support coverage with a convenient 800 number regardless of your store hours. Your processor should be available whenever you are.
3. Your Billing Statement must be Simple to Understand. It should be designed to state the facts and save you time, not confuse or camouflage costs. Always ask to see an actual statement and be sure it makes sense to you.
4. Be Sure All Fees and Charges are Included and get the Best Price Ask about start-up and monthly premiums. Understand how all fees are determined and get it in writing. It’s your money and you deserve to pay for only what you have agreed to. Don’t hesitate to question if you’re getting the best possible rate.
5. Demand Education In this high tech age, things change rapidly. Make sure your processor informs you of upgrades and industry changes, like PCI. Have them explain how these changes may affect your ability to process transactions.
6. Take Nothing for Granted Your representative is there to help you. Ask questions, get answers. Understand your processing relationship.
7. Find Out if Your Processor Supports a Charitable Cause Ask them do they donate any portion of the profits they earn from your business to a charity in your name. If they don’t, ask them why and find one that does. In these economic times, you need to get all the tax benefits you deserve.
Now that you know little more about credit card processing we encourage you to go over to "The Hope Process" website and take a look around with a little more understanding of how we work 1-800-366-1388
As we mentioned in our earlier blog post, we helped to sponsor Mark Letenzi, who is biking the US to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. We just got word of his progress and are excited to share!
Email from Mark:
Hi Everyone!
For any of you who may not know, I am taking part in a bike trip across the USA to raise money for MS this summer. Having left on June 1st, we are currently in Rosedale, VA on our 8th day of our 60 day trip to San Francisco. I am joining a few other riders in creating and updating a blog for our trip. Every few days(when we have wi-fi) we will post new entries and upload photos of our trip, I invite you to check out our site and read our posts. To those of you who have donated on my behalf, I thank you very much for helping me reach and surpass my fundraising goal!!!
You can track Mark's Progress too! Here is a link to a blog that is tracking "The Experiences of Four Cyclists Biking the US For MS- June 1st to July 31st, 2010": http://dalejohnson.wordpress.com/
The Hope Process helped sponsor Mark Letenzi who is currently biking across country to raise money for MS research. More information can be found below and/or on their website: http://www.biketheusforms.org
Bike the US for MS organizes cross country bike trips that raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research. This supported tour follows America's most traveled cross country route and combines an important cause with an incredible experience : Join the 2010 tour.
The ride begins in Yorktown, VA on June 1st and ends in San Francisco on August 1st. Proceeds from the 2010 trip will fund a nurse practitioner position at the James Q. Miller MS Clinic in Charlottesville, VA. Join the fight against MS & find ways to get involved.
When the economy isn't doing well, charities aren't doing well either. It makes it much harder for people to give to their favorite charity and at The Hope Process we understand this and want to help and it doesn't cost you a penny!
"The stock market may be rebounding, but for charities the negative impact of the recession has only deepened over the past year, according to a survey released this week by the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit consulting group in Boston."
If you are a merchant and you currently accept credit cards, you are being charged fees by your credit card processor. Simply switch your processing over to The Hope Process, a division of IRN Payment Systems – an industry leader for over 22 years in providing credit card processing. Once you make the switch The Hope Process will give back to you or the charitable organization of your choice 100% of the profits, from those processing fees. After the first year, 25% of the profits are given back for as long as you stay a customer of IRN’s The Hope Process.
The Hope Process would like to highlight Long Island Chapter of AFP. They are on of the many charities associated with us, and they are having Professional Education meeting on May 18, 2010, so for more details please check out there site here: http://www.afpli.org/
Advancing Philanthropy through Education, Training and Advocacy. The Association of Fundraising Professionals, an individual member association, advances philanthropy through education, training and advocacy based on research, a code of ethical principles and standards of professional practice. The Long Island chapter gives support to professionals in the LI not-for-profit sector.
What is AFP? For more than 40 years, The Association of Fundraising Professionals has been members in 197 chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China to advance philanthropy through advocacy, education, research and certification programs. The Long Island chapter, established in 1985, includes more than 300 members and is one of the fastest-growing chapters in the country.
Join AFP To join AFP simply contact the AFPLI office and request a membership kit. You may also visit the AFP national web site and join online.
Dino Sgueglia, the founder of "The Hope Proccess" wrote an article that was published in "Journal of the DMA Nonprofit Federation" Volume 13: Issue 2 April 2010. Below is a paragraph from that article "Having A Business Mentality In A Not-For-Profit World." To read the full article you can go here: http://www.nonprofitfederation.org/
We would like to highlight one of the charitable causes that are included in "The Hope Process"
About
The Tim Hardaway Foundation was founded by NBA star Tim Hardaway in 2008. The Foundation works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and socio-economic needs of ethnically diverse urban communities. In addition, the Tim Hardaway Foundation has focused efforts on giving voice to the voiceless in Haiti. By funding the construction of homes for impoverished families, the Tim Hardaway Foundation will establish livable conditions and give many children a healthy life to look forward to on the island.
The Tim Hardaway Foundation focuses on the challenges faced in the following areas locally, nationally, and internationally:
*Education
*Socio-Economic
*Health & Wellness
Mission
The Tim Hardaway Foundation, founded by Tim Hardaway in 2008, was designed to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address health, educational and socio-economic needs of children and families in South Florida and beyond.
The Tim Hardaway Foundation supports is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and families in urban communities by focusing on raising awareness and providing comprehensive services to address the challenges that affect them.
A Message From Tim Hardaway – Chairman
Over the next few months, the Tim Hardaway Foundation will award money to community-based organizations that focus primarily on education, health and fitness. In addition, we will support more than 100 minority high school students with scholarships for tuition and summer programs, particularly summer basketball camps. Through this funding, the Tim Hardaway Foundation will give students an opportunity to improve their health, hone in their basketball skills and stay out of trouble.
Despite these remarkable projections, many people will remain without adequate support, many young people will be desperate for help, and many children will lack many of the resources they need to overcome life’s challenges. We recognize the overwhelming needs, but are dedicated to mitigating as much of these problems as possible in the coming years.
This is why together we need to do more and that’s why we are hoping you will lend support to the Tim Hardaway Charitable Foundation by getting involved with one of our community events, by sponsoring one of our important programs, or attending one of our monthly dinners.
The Tim Hardaway Foundation is geared up to make tremendous improvements in our community. We NEED your help. Join our team, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, and learn more about our programs and services. Be sure to visit the website regularly for updates on news and events.
Together, we can continue to make our community a better place in which to live and grow. Together, we can continue to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and socio-economic needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.
If you want to donate to "The Tim Hardaway Foundation" or any other charity teamed up with "The Hope Process" Just visit our website: www.thehopeprocess.com
If you are a charity interested in teaming up with us go HERE, we would love to welcome you to "The Hope Process" family!
If you are a merchant and you currently accept credit cards, you are being charged fees by your credit card processor. Simply switch your processing over to The Hope Process, a division of IRN Payment Systems – an industry leader for over 22 years in providing credit card processing. Once you make the switch The Hope Process will give back to you or the charitable organization of your choice 100% of the profits, from those processing fees. After the first year, twenty-five percent of the profits are given back for as long as you stay a customer of IRN’s The Hope Process.
THERE’S NO COST OR ADDITIONAL FEES TO MAKE THE SWITCH! The conversion process is made simple and easy. It costs absolutely nothing to convert your existing merchant credit card processing services to IRN, so you pay exactly what you are paying now. There are no additional costs or hidden fees.
LEAVE THE WORK TO US The Hope Process has made the entire process fast and easy. Simply fill out an IRN merchant application and attach your last merchant statement from your existing processor. Then complete The Hope Process Election Form to indicate how your rebate from The Hope Process will be applied. We do the rest!
THE BEST PART The Hope Process rebate is the portion of your monthly processing fees that would normally be kept as your credit card processor’s profit. We rebate these funds so that you may make a charitable donation. It costs you nothing and you may become eligible for a tax deduction. .
FOR CHARITIES Simply introduce the benefits of The Hope Process to your supporters who own a business and accept credit cards. All of your supporters who switch their credit card processing to IRN’s The Hope Process will have the ability to forward donations directly to your organization. This innovative program builds a recurring monthly portfolio of donations and provides an increased organizational donor base. Just the benefits of The Hope Process and we take care of the rest!
Not only will you have the opportunity to increase your sustainable donor base and annual donations, but you will be doing so at no added expense to your supporters.
To give you an idea of the money we are talking about, the average business will donate about one thousand dollars a year and be eligible for a tax deduction. It’s that simple. It’s easy to see how charities could potentially receive tens of thousands of dollars in donations for their organization with no additional cost or expense to the nonprofit or to the merchant.
KEEPING TRACK OF DONATIONS Merchants enrolled in The Hope Process will have access to an online account to track and monitor the funds that accrue through the program. With the click of a button, a merchant will know exactly how much is donated to the charity of their choice. Additionally, every charitable organization receiving donations will have login access to our interactive state-of-the-art website, www.TheHopeProcess.com, to view incoming donations
Join The Hope Process and IRN today…together we can bring Hope to everyone.
Rebates generated by The Hope Process are available to be taken by the merchant directly and are not required to be donated to a charity.
IRN Payment Systems (IRN), established in 1988, is a full service payment processor serving clients and vendors nationwide. IRN provides processing for all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as providing processing services for EBT, government cards, checks, gift, debit and loyalty cards.
The Hope Process was designed for one purpose – to provide charitable organizations with a steady stream of recurring monthly donations. To read more about what we do go to our website: http://thehopeprocess.com/
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about "The Hope Process"
Who can receive a donation?
Any approved charity listed in the IRS publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that appears on the IRS charities list.
Is my financial contribution tax deductible?
When a merchant donates their rebates to the charity of their choice, the rebates are deductible as a charitable contribution by the merchant for federal tax purposes, subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Are there any restrictions or requirements for a donation?
Every business has its own rules and regulations set by the IRS. Check with your accountant about any IRS rules you will need to follow.
Can I change my rebate election and if so how often?
Changes are allowed once a quarter in January, April, July and October which will take effect in that month.
How often will my rebates checks be sent?
Once a quarter.
How will I be notified that my charity has received my donation?
Merchants enrolled in The Hope Process will have access to an online account to track and monitor the funds that accrue through the program. With the click of a button, a merchant will know exactly how much they donated to their charity. Additionally, every charitable organization receiving donations will have login access to their account through The Hope Process web site.
Will I get a year-end statement from The Hope Process for IRS purposes?
No, the statement will come from the Charity you chose to donate to. You will be able to check the totals on The Hope Process' website for accuracy.
Where do I send my credit card processing statement?
The process is very easy, just fax your credit card processing statement and phone number to
877-837-2040 and one of our enrollment specialists will contact you.
How will I find out I am approved?
You will receive a call from IRN’s enrollment center letting you know all the details after approval.
Will I get a year-end statement from The Hope Process for IRS purposes?
No, the statement will come from the Charity you chose to donate to. You will be able to check the totals on The Hope Process website for accuracy.
Did you know that April is "Autism Awareness Month"?
This would be the perfect time to take a close look at "Danny's Wish" who's mission is to help provide life enhancing resources and experiences for kids and families that deal with Autism and Autism related spectrum disorders.
Here is the story of “Danny’s Wish”:
“Danny is a fun loving energetic 12-year-old boy, who likes to play basketball, enjoys watching hockey games, loves the movie Shrek, and will eat ketchup with just about anything! This little Boyscout also enjoys swimming, painting, going to concerts and will never pass up an opportunity to play catch with you.
Danny is also Autistic.
Like many other children, Danny struggles with Autism, a developmental disability that too often results in a lifetime of impaired thinking, feeling and social functioning. It typically affects a person's ability to communicate, form relationships with others and respond appropriately to the external world. People with the condition often exhibit repetitive behavior or narrow, obsessive interests. Other characteristics of Autism include problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction. It is considered a “spectrum disorder” because the characteristics and symptoms of the disorder are so very unique to each case.
Danny has a very unique characteristic all his own, and that is his ability to light up a room with his amazing smile. Despite his disability, he is eager and excited to experience the world in its entirety.
If Danny could have one wish, his wish would be for other children and people affected by Autism to experience, enjoy and love life just as much as he does. That is why we’ve created Danny’s Wish, to help provide life enhancing resources and experiences for kids and families that deal with Autism and Autism related spectrum disorders.
Though dealing with Autism is a daily struggle that imposes many obstacles, it has never restricted Danny from trying to live life to his fullest. Danny shows us that we can look past the disability, and on to a bright future full of great opportunities and possibilities.
One of the many charities you can help out but joining up with "The Hope Process" is "The Leary Firefighters Foundation". This foundation provides funding and equipment to fire departments throughout the United States. The Leary Firefighters Foundation was founded in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a fire that broke out in an abandoned warehouse, Massachusetts, his home town, in December of 1999. Here is their story:
"Over 75 firefighters ran into what some have called "the perfect fire" and six of them never came out. One was Denis' first cousin, Jerry Lucey and another Lt. Tommy Spencer, was a childhood friend and high school classmate. In an effort to find a positive way to deal with this overwhelming loss, Denis established The Leary Firefighters Foundation in the spring of 2000. The Leary Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to providing fire departments with funding and resources for up-to-date equipment and training."
To give back to "The Leary Fightfighters Foundation" join up with "The Hope Process" today! Go to our website for more info: http://www.thehopeprocess.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Zaher/Hank Russell, PRMG (631) 207-1057
February 9, 2010
Breast Cancer Help, Inc. Joins The Hope Process
Bay Shore, NY — Breast Cancer Help Inc, announced today it has joined The Hope Process, a division of IRN Payment Systems of Westbury, to handle its credit card processing and provide the organization with a steady stream of revenue. For the first year, Breast Cancer Help will receive a 100% rebate on all credit card transactions, and a 25% rebate in the subsequent years.
“As a non-profit, our organization will be receiving a rebate on our credit card processing, providing us with constant discounts,” said Alex Fezza, Executive Director, Breast Cancer Help Inc. “More importantly, we will be introducing the benefits of The Hope Process to our supporters who own businesses and accept credit cards. When they switch their credit card processing to IRN’s The Hope Process, they will have the ability to provide donations to Breast Cancer Help.”
The Hope Process was designed for one purpose: to provide charitable organizations with a steady stream of recurring monthly donations. Created by Dino Sgueglia, Founder of IRN Payment Systems, a leader in the credit card processing industry, The Hope Process entitles merchants to a rebate based on their credit card processing fees, which can be donated by the merchant to a charitable organization of their choice.
“Any merchant that enrolls in The Hope Process will have access to an online account to track and monitor the funds that accrue through the program. With the click of a button, a merchant will know exactly how much is donated to the charity of their choice,” said Mr. Sgueglia. “Additionally, Breast Cancer Help will have login access to our interactive state-of-the-art Web site, www.thehopeprocess.com, to view incoming donations.”
Breast Cancer Help, Inc. is an organization with a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. Breast Cancer Help has built a grassroots network of advocates across America and abroad focusing on the goals of increasing research into the cause, treatment and cure of breast cancer; improving access for all women to high-quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment; and encouraging other areas in the United States and throughout the world to conduct mapping surveys to help better understand the relationship between our environment and breast cancer.
“This is the most innovative program there is for raising donations for charitable organizations. No other program can build a recurring monthly stream of donations to charitable organizations. We are proud to be a part of this ground-breaking program,” Mr. Fezza said.
For more information, call (516) 333-3888 or visit www.thehopeprocess.com. For more information about Breast Cancer Help, call (631) 675-9003 or visit www.breastcancerhelpinc.org.
# # #
Breast Cancer Help, Inc. is a not-for-profit grass roots organization with a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. Founded in 1994 by Lorraine Pace, a two time breast cancer survivor, and Father Thomas Arnao, Breast Cancer Help, Inc. uses a four pronged approach to promoting education and awareness of breast cancer issues. The first of these prongs is the West Islip breast cancer mapping project initiated by Lorraine Pace, which mobilized patients and pinpointed breast cancer clusters. This original mapping project, which spearheaded the breast cancer environmental movement, has now spread to other parts of New York, the U.S. and internationally. Since its inception, the group’s goal has been to raise awareness and promote education for the cause, treatment, and cure of the disease; while maintaining a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. It has accomplished this by mobilizing patients into coalitions leading to breast cancer mapping projects, serving as advocates to change state and local laws to protect breast cancer patients, and working to bring about positive changes in protecting the environment. Breast Cancer Help, Inc. has helped to ensure that Long Islanders have access to the best possible diagnosis and care through the purchase of cutting edge medical and research equipment. It has also supported research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In 2003, Breast Cancer Help opened its Long Island Cancer Help and Wellness Center, now located at 1555 Sunrise Highway, Suite 7, in Bay Shore to provide increased cancer awareness to promote education and early detection while providing patients and survivors with much needed suppo
After such a horrible tragedy we find people from all over the world coming together to show their support for the people of Haiti. At these times we realize that as a community - we are not selfish, we are not blind to the less fortunate, we are not unaffected, and certainly we are not too far removed to show that we care.
In my wildest dreams I can’t fathom how the people of Haiti are going to cope with what has become of the place they call home. I am extremely thankful everyday for what I have and realize that my personal trials and tribulations are insignificant in comparison to the plight of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. It is devastating to imagine your home and all of your belongings destroyed but imagine not knowing where to turn for food, medical attention, or even a glass of water.
I am asking each and every one of my friends to put themselves in the shoes of the Haitians and attempt to imagine what they are going through. I have created this karma411 page to show that we as a community are willing to help. Please join me in doing whatever you can to contribute to the humanity efforts and reconstruction of this once beautiful country millions of Haitians call home.
I am sure some of you have already donated so please don’t feel obligated to contribute to this campaign. Please help spread the word by forwarding this onto a few of your friends, so that we can make a difference. Thank You.
Check out our new commercial for The Hope Process with the NY Islanders! Together we can make a difference! Learn how your business can help your favorite charity today!
The Hope Process is excited to announce today that the Baybrent Tile Corporation has joined our program and will be donating their credit card processing rebate to Danny's Wish, a charity that reinforces the fact that children with Autism can and should love life as much as anyone.
“We welcome Baybrent Tile Corp to The Hope Process and look forward to providing their charity of choice with a sustainable flow of monthly donations,” Said Ed Kranepool, The Hope Process’ Executive Director and National Spokesperson (formally of The 1969 World Series New York Mets).
The Hope Process program is simple. If you are a merchant and you currently accept credit cards, you are being charged fees by your credit card processor. Simply switch your processing over to The Hope Process, a program of IRN Payment Systems – an industry leader for over 21 years in providing credit card processing. Once you make the switch The Hope Process will give back to you or the charitable organization of your choice 100% of the net profitability from those processing fees. After the first year, 25% of the net profitability is given back for as long as you stay a customer of The Hope Process.
“The Hope Process is an amazing program. Charities benefit by receiving a reoccurring stream of monthly donations from merchants who donate their rebate to the charity of their choice and it doesn’t cost the merchant one dime more than they are currently paying for their existing credit card processing. In these economic times, The Hope Process provides charities with the monies they need and merchants with the opportunity to donate to them without affecting their bottom line and while benefiting from the charitable tax deduction*. “A true win-win scenario,” concluded Kranepool.
For more information on The Hope Process visit www.TheHopeProcess.com
