Help protect your establishment from fraud by following the important tips below.

• Is the person presenting the Card actually the Cardmember?
• Is the date of the charge prior to the expiration date on the Card?
• Does the signature on the Charge Form match the signature on the back of the Card?
• Does the signature match the embossed name on the Card?
• Did you swipe the Card through your terminal for Authorization?
• Does the account number on the front of the Card match the number on the back of the Card and the number on the terminal display receipt?
• If the magnetic stripe is unreadable, did you key in the transaction and obtain an Authorization over the phone? Did you take a manual imprint of the Card?

Authorizations help protect everyone.
The best way to protect your business from loss is to follow the procedures outlined in the handbook you received in your Welcome Kit and your Card Acceptance Agreement, and obtain authorization in the form of an Approval Code from American Express. Do not hesitate to call the American Express Authorizations Line should any situation occur that does not conform to regular operating procedures.

American Express Authorizations: 1-800-268-9824

Obtaining Charge Authorization
For each sale, you are required to obtain a dated Charge Receipt with a signature that matches the signature on the Card. If you process and submit charges electronically, the transaction will automatically be routed for Authorization when the Card is swiped through your terminal. This safeguard will greatly reduce your exposure to fraud.

All Authorized transactions are recorded by American Express and given a special Approval Code. Your establishment must record this code for every transaction as it will be required in the case of a disputed charge.

If you process your charges manually, you may need to call American Express to obtain this Approval Code.

Obtaining an Electronic Authorization
If you have a POS terminal, transactions will be automatically routed to American Express for approval every time a Card is swiped. To obtain an American Express authorization electronically, simply follow the procedures below:

1. Swipe the Card through the terminal.
2. Follow the instructions displayed on the terminal's screen.
3. Write down the Approval Code given on the screen or, if you receive a "Call Amex" message, telephone American Express Authorizations at 1-800-268-9824.
4. If you then get an Approval Code over the phone, force capture it into your terminal.

Important
In the case of a decline when using electronic authorization, you may call the Authorizations Line at the request of the Cardmember.

Obtaining a Manual Authorization
If you do not have an electronic terminal, authorizations are obtained by phone. To request an Authorization Approval Code by telephone simply dial the appropriate number listed below. Our automated voice-response system will guide you through the Authorization process. Remember to record the Approval Code once it is obtained.

When you call, be prepared to:

• Give your American Express Merchant Number
• Give the Cardmember's account number
• Give the total dollar amount of the charge

Toll-Free Authorizations:	1-800-268-9824
Toronto and local areas:	(905) 474-9280
Montreal and local areas:	(514) 392-9311

Approving Phone and Mail Order Charges
An Approval Code must be obtained for every phone or mail order charge. To reduce the risk of fraud, the Cardmember's billing address can be verified. When processing these charges, ask the Cardmember for both their billing address and the address they would like the goods shipped to. If you have received an Approval Code and you are still suspicious, you may ask for an Address Verification. In most cases, American Express can confirm the address, provided it matches our Cardmember Billing System.

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Ask yourself these questions:

• Does any part of the Card surface look dull compared with the rest of the Card?
• Is the Card surface bumpy or is it bent around the edges?
• Is the Card number on the back of the Card missing or different from the number embossed on the front of the Card?
• Has the Card number been chipped off or covered up?
• Is the signature panel on the back painted over with correction fluid, taped over or erased?

For your security, if you are ever suspicious of a Card transaction, do not confront the customer directly. Instead, call the American Express Authorizations Line. They are there 24 hours a day to assist you.

In cases of a suspected fraudulent Card, hold on to the Card, when possible, until the situation is resolved.

Ensure the signatures match
American Express Cards are not transferable. Only the person whose name is embossed on the front of the Card is authorized to use the Card. Always compare the signature on the Charge Record with the one on the back of the Card.

In cases where it doesn't match, call the American Express Authorizations Line at 1-800-268-9824.

This will alert American Express staff to the situation without creating uneasiness or embarrassment for your customer.

The American Express Authorizations Line: 1-800-268-9824

Look for signs of tampering
If a Card appears suspicious, please call Authorizations at 1-800-268-9824. In cases of a suspected fraudulent Card, hold on to the Card when possible, until the situation has been resolved.

On occasion, American Express may need more information about the transaction, or ask to speak to the Cardmember. This precaution is a normal procedure and is used to ensure the Card has not been lost or stolen. A decline may occur for a variety of reasons (if the Card has been cancelled, for example). If a decline occurs you will be given further instructions from your Authorizations Representative.

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A reward may be paid for the return of a lost, stolen, counterfeit or altered Card. If asked to retain a Card and return it to American Express, follow the instructions given by the operator. If your actions lead to an arrest or conviction, you could be eligible for a reward of up to $200.00.

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