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10 Tips to Help You Avoid a Credit Card Fraud in Future

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article |Credit Card Fraud|10 Tips to Help You Avoid a Credit Card Fraud in FutureIn this digital economy, credit card fraud is one of the biggest and common threats to everyone. Though it offers convenience while shopping online as well as offline with a bunch of other benefits like monthly payments, easy cash loans, etc., it has become risky. The reason being criminals target banks and other financial institutions to steal the credit card data of millions of people.

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid credit card frauds and safeguard your credit card information from cybercriminals. Everyone must follow proactive measures to safeguard their credit card information and prevent cybercriminals from making payments through stolen cards. On that note, let’s check out the best tips for safeguarding credit card information from attackers and criminals.

1. Do not share credit card information

Though it is a bit obvious, you must not share the credit card information with anyone including customer service representatives of the bank or any financial institution. Also, be careful of phishing scams and do not call on phone numbers listed in a random email or share your credit card number with anyone posing as the representative of your credit card supplier. Last but more important, avoid sharing your card details with relatives or friends as well unless you are sure they are going to protect the card details as well as you protect it.

2. Beware of credit card skimmers

A card skimmer is placed invincibly on top of or inside the card slot. These skimmers allow your card to be accessed by the ATM while stealing your card information. This happens in a discreet manner so victims do not notice that something happened until they look at their bank statements later. Avoid this mishap by carefully looking before using your card in any machine: take good notice of any holes, differences in appearance, or something unusual on the PIN pad. Also, look out for any suspicious devices like cameras around the machine. Once you are thoroughly assured of safety, then only use your card.

3. Secure your passwords and PINs

Do not put consecutive numbers, your name, or birth date as passwords, which can easily be guessed by anyone. Also, refrain from saving your passwords online including on password managers (it is hard to trust them). Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase characters with numbers as well as special characters to make it more secure and strong. Never use the same password for different accounts and avoid sharing it with anyone in any communicative way.

4. Protect your physical credit card

Keep your credit cards safe in public places: carry your cards separately from your wallet and be mindful of pick-pocketers as well. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. Also, make sure you only carry the required cards. Thieves even tend to take pictures of the card so do not expose or keep it in open places. And destroy the unwanted cards as told below.

5. Always shred your payments data

Do not leave your card receipts or statements around your home or office: shred everything that you no longer need before throwing it all out. When it expires, be cautious with sensitive details on the card: scratch off all such information, then shred it away to prevent any kind of duplication or identity theft.

6. Be cautious with credit cards online

Do not do any transactions with sellers or on websites you do not trust. If an online transaction has to be done on an unknown website, creating a new virtual card with low value is a safer option. Many of the card issuing companies will let you create virtual cards from your credit card portal for a short period of time. Also, avoid sharing details online and stay aware of online shopping scams.

7. Report your lost or stolen credit card

As soon as you report your missing card, your credit card issuer can cancel or lock it temporarily, so as to avoid any unauthorized or bogus charges. This way, you will not be held responsible for any fraudulent charges on your account. That is why it is very important that you report your lost or stolen card as soon as you find the lost credit card, else you may have to pay for bogus charges.

8. Secure your digital devices

Keep anti-virus software updated and run security scans on a regular basis on all digital devices. Always proceed with any transaction only on a secure connection — look for HTTPS or lock icon in the browser’s address bar. Also, never click on any link in an email or on the web until you trust the sender or website.

9. Signature is very important

Always sign the back of your card as it provides double protection from any fraud during a transaction and acts as an additional verification for the same. Some retailers or card issuers also ask for signatures on a credit card for any high-value transaction. Of course, it hardly protects against online fraud.

10. Look for unauthorized transactions

Keep in mind to review and analyze all your credit card statements on time. Never skip going through all your bank statements for fraudulent transactions. If you find anything suspicious regarding any payment, immediately contact your credit card customer service and report the fraudulent transaction asap.

By being more aware and careful, you can avoid any fraudulent charges on your card, otherwise, you may have to pay for bogus charges. With a little extra effort and necessary precautions, everyone can protect themselves from fraud.

5 Common Denominators Behind the World’s Most Efficient Restaurant Delivery Systems

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Restaurant Delivery System|5 Common Denominators Behind the World's Most Efficient Restaurant Delivery SystemsIt’s no secret that the concept of having food delivered has truly taken off during the last few years. Until last year, studies showed an annual increase of 20 percent for the food delivery industry. Last year, reports indicate that the sector skyrocketed by anywhere from 150 percent to more than 300 percent in some areas. Though unforeseen circumstances contributed to that unprecedented uptick, analysts don’t expect the numbers to drop during the years to come. Now that so many people have gotten a taste of the sheer convenience of having dinner brought to their doors, they want more.

What Does All This Mean for Restaurants?

In short, that means there are a few key takeaways for today’s restaurants. First of all, if your restaurant already offers delivery services, keep forging ahead. Secondly, if you’re not offering delivery at this point, you should be. Either way, in order to compete in the food delivery realm, you need to understand what it takes to succeed. Companies like DataDreamers are here to help you do just that.

Common Elements among the Most Successful Restaurant Delivery Systems

Some restaurants are excelling in the midst of the burgeoning delivery mania. Others are missing out on the opportunity altogether. Then, there’s a broad gap between the two extreme ends of the spectrum. It consists of restaurants that could be making a name for themselves in delivery, but it’s working against them rather than for them. If you’re in either of the two latter categories, consider using the following points to help foster your delivery services.

1) Facilitate the Online Ordering Process

Quite a few restaurants offer the option of online ordering either via their website or a dedicated app. That being said, many only allow over-the-phone take-out orders or don’t offer delivery at all. Consider having your own app created if you are interested in having your food delivered. Reports show that 90 percent of the population turns to the internet for products and services, and a recent string of surveys revealed that nearly 70 percent have taken to having food delivered. If you offer online delivery, they will order. Be sure your online ordering portal provides a smooth, seamless experience, though.

2) Keep Quality Consistent

Consumers have come to expect high-quality food and exceptional overall experiences from restaurants, but that doesn’t only hold true for in-house dining. They expect those traits to carry over into their delivery orders. Don’t let the quality of your food and service wane when it comes to delivery. Doing so could hurt your reputation and business just as much as if you fell short in your on-site dining area.

3) Use Technology to Your Advantage

An endless array of technological advancements have taken place over the years. Many of them could serve your restaurant well, especially when it comes to your delivery system. Find the right software, POS system, payment gateway, and other solutions to help you make the most of the digital age. You’ll benefit greatly, and so will your customers.

4) Accuracy Is Key

We’ve all had bad experiences with restaurant delivery services. Part of the food was missing or they forgot to send the extra sauce we requested. Mistakes like that may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they can actually ruin an entire meal. Be absolutely sure the orders you send out are accurate before allowing them to leave your restaurant.

5) Create Promotional Offers

Consumers flock to special deals and promotional discounts. You’re in a unique position to give them those offers. Extend free appetizers with the purchase of a certain number of meals or waive delivery fees after a specified number of delivery orders. You could extend any number of promotional offers to patrons. They’ll spend more money with you and be more likely to keep coming back for more.

Cash in on the Delivery Craze

There’s quite a bit of profit to be made through restaurant delivery services right now, and it’s only going to become more prominent during the years to come. At the same time, this is a wonderful opportunity to show consumers what sets you apart from the competition. Embrace the growing food delivery realm, and use these points to help you make the most of it.

3 Things to Think About Before You Invest

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Investment|3 Things to Think About Before You InvestHaving spare cash might not be something that many of us get to enjoy on a regular basis, but those of us who do will want to make sure that we do whatever we can to make the most of that money.

The only thing about investing is that it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to moving your money around.
Even more so, an investment that doesn’t quite work out in the right way can end up doing more harm than good, which is not what you will want to have happen to you.

So, to help you to make the most of your investment, no matter how small or big, we have put together the 3 things to think about before you invest.

Always think long term

One of the best things to do when it comes to investments is to think about it in the long term. An investment made (or withdrawn out of an account) on an impulse rarely works out the right way; instead, you need to think about how it will grow over time.

When you consider everything in the longer term, you are giving your investment the time to grow and develop rather than hoping that it will be an instant payout.

Don’t ever put all your eggs in one basket

When it comes to investment, it is always a good idea to make sure that you diversify. You may have one form of investment that you are much happier working within than others, but it is always a good idea to learn more about other options that are open to you too.

You may discover that shares are a good idea for you or that property is your future. Whatever you find out, just knowing that you have a few options spread out, rather than just one, will give you peace of mind.

Learn about what you invest in

It is always a good idea to understand whatever it is that you are investing in. If you do this, then you can quickly identify what a good idea is and what might be just too good to be true. With understanding also comes the ability to think about what your next steps are, what things you can change in the future to make sure that you are getting the best return for your investment, and that things are going the right way.

Now you know more about investing, and how best to use the money you have already, you will want to make sure that you understand what you are investing in. There are plenty of options out there for you to choose from; for example, if you are thinking about Blockchain, you will want to check out My Blockchain Life or if you’re looking to invest in real estate, FortuneBuilders is a great resource.

A helpful community to ensure that you make the most of your investment and that you may Blockchain work for you.
The main thing to always make sure that you do, before any investment, is to learn how best to invest your money and ensure that you always see a return rather than a loss.

3 Big Misconceptions About Corporate Culture

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StrategyDriven Corporate Cultures Article |Corporate Culture|3 Big Misconceptions About Corporate CultureCorporate culture is a term that gets thrown around a lot and it’s often misunderstood by business leaders. Your corporate culture refers to the often unspoken set of rules and values that govern your business. The way that things are done in the company day to day and the way that all of your employees interact with one another and you all has to do with your company culture.

In most cases, businesses without a positive corporate culture will struggle to survive. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that people get wrong about corporate culture and this leads to problems in the business. These are some of the big misconceptions about corporate culture that you need to stop listening to.

Corporate Culture Can’t Be Built

People talk about their corporate culture like it’s a vague thing that can’t be pinned down. It’s an ethos or a feeling, maybe it’s a vibe. It’s assumed that the culture of your business develops naturally on its own without direct input from you, but that isn’t the case. Business experts like Marc Spizzirri have a lot of experience helping companies build a corporate culture because it is something that you have direct control over. The policies and systems that you put in place to govern the day to day running of your business create the company culture. So, don’t make the mistake of thinking that culture can’t be built and it will sort itself out.

Good Corporate Culture Just Means A Fun Workplace

This misconception is largely down to big tech companies creating new-age offices with ping pong tables and bean bag chairs everywhere. People have this idea that a positive company culture just means a relaxed work environment where people are allowed to have fun instead of being stuck in a cubicle, but it’s so much more than that. It’s also about the direction of the business and the priorities that you have as a company. For example, sustainability is often a central part of the company culture. In some businesses, the focus is on providing opportunities for development. Whatever your company culture is, it has to be about more than fun workspaces and relaxed schedules.

Culture Is Defined By Employees

People often think of culture in terms of how employees interact with one another and work together. Things like conflict resolution, work-life balance, and perks all factor in too. But even though that is an important part of corporate culture, it is not defined by the employees and it is not built from the ground up. Your corporate culture starts with you outlining the values that are most important to your business. You then need to build a company and put processes in place to ensure that you uphold those values. The way that your employees interact with one another is part of that, but it happens as a result of the culture you have built, not the other way around.

If you keep believing these myths about corporate culture, you will struggle to get yours right and it will have a big impact on your business.

Creating My Own Business

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Creating a Business|Creating My Own BusinessStarting your own business means the beginning of an incredible journey. Creating your company can bring joy and satisfaction from many points of view. So, you saved some money, gathered motivation, and you’re ready to take the first steps in creating your own business. Good financial and legal decisions are essential. However, passion and determination are the most important things in the long run. It would be best to realize that you’ll face many problems and hiccups along the way. That’s why the strength of character is fundamental in pushing through issues and adapting along the way. The world of business is a dynamic arena in which only the fittest survive.

The following piece will provide you with a basic planning framework to start your firm from scratch:

Research the market and examine your competition

First of all, you’ll have to understand your target market. Ask yourself a couple of questions:

  • Who are my clients? What’s their age, gender, social status, etc.?
  • Who’s my competition? What’s their business plan, and what can I learn from them?

Understanding the market is necessary if you want to get straight into business once you open. Consider the level of demand for your product/service. Also, gauge the market size, the location in which you operate, pricing ranges, and other economic indicators such as population income and employment rate. In other words, market research means analyzing the conditions in which you’ll work. It’s a way of observing and adapting to fit the needs of the market.

Create a business plan

The business plan helps you understand your business’s structure, operation, and future needs. This document will also help persuade collaborators and investors into working with you. There are a few free templates and guides available online. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to start. Download the sample that represents your company type the most and start filling it up.

There are two main styles: traditional or lean start-up. The traditional style is more extensive and detailed. On the other hand, the second kind allows a brief summarizing of the vital points.

Invest capital in your company

The next move is to calculate how much money your business needs to take off. This way, you can figure out how much capital you need to raise through personal funds, investments, or bank loans.

Self-funding is everybody’s dream. Unfortunately, that’s not possible in most cases. So, you’ll need to think about a few options:

  • Crowdfunding is an excellent outside-the-box choice that can work wonders for certain types of businesses.
  • Small business loans through banks are classic ways of starting and are safe.
  • Other programs to consider are Small Business Investment (SBA) loans through Lender Match.

Decide on your business location

Location, location, location. The area in which you operate establishes the tax range, zoning laws, and business regulations. You’ll have to analyze various states, cities, and even neighborhoods. When calculating start-up expenses, make sure to:

  • Include area-specific expenses such as minimum wage, property value, rental value, insurance rate, utilities, and government licenses/fees.
  • Include zoning laws regarding buying, renting, building, and operating out of a physical building.
  • Include local and governmental incentives such as tax cuts, utility cost reductions, urban redevelopment motivations, and technological support.

Choose your firm’s legal structure

Your business’s legal format determines day-to-day activity, license requirements, tax ranges, and personal liability. Selecting the proper structure means efficiency, legal protections, and benefits.

First, you’ll have to review, compare, and understand the main business structures:

  • Sole proprietor;
  • Partnership;
  • Limited liability company (LLC);
  • Corporation;
  • Cooperative.

Next, you must decide if you’re going to combine various structures for tax benefits. Although somewhat uncommon, combining different legal designs can yield tremendous advantages but are generally harder to set up.

Select your brand name

Choosing your company’s name seems the easiest point of the list, but that’s not entirely true. You must decide on a captivating title that echoes your brand spirit. Also, you’ll have to make sure the name isn’t already registered.
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to register your brand name under:

  • State-level entity names, which offer protection within state borders.
  • Federal-level trademarks, which offer protection within national borders.
  • Doing Business As (DBA); it’s not always required, but some legal structures need it to open a bank account.
  • Website domain name.

Register your company

Once you’ve decided on the business name, it’s time to register it legally. Registration is especially required if you’re conducting business without using your legal name. In this case, you’ll need to register federally and even locally.
Suppose your company plans to conduct business in more than one state. In that case, you’ll need a foreign qualification from the Certificate of Authority.

Obtain federal and state tax ID

Alias Employer Identification Number (EIN), the tax ID works as a private social security number. It allows businesses to pay taxes, pay employees, file tax returns, etc. Once you’ve set up your tax ID, don’t forget to update it in case of changes in names, addresses, ownership, management, or tax status. This IRS digital assistance tool will help you apply for an EIN.

Get your license and permit

To grow your business into a success story, you need to stay legally compliant. Obtaining all the licenses and permits is an obligatory step to remain legally protected and do business. They vary by industry and are slightly different from state to state.

Generally, the more “dangerous” a business is, the more permits it needs to function. For instance, a firearms shop will encounter more scrutiny than a TV company. Likewise, fisheries or agricultural firms need more permits compared to a clothing shop.

Open your business bank account

A company bank account is almost mandatory for most sectors. A checking account helps handle transactions, taxes, and much more. Additionally, it’s a protection method against fraud or other malicious activities. Having a bank account means transparency, professionalism, and purchasing power.

Opening a bank account is pretty easy with the right paperwork. Just make sure you compare different institutions to get maximum benefits for you and your business.

Conclusion

Creating your own business is the ultimate capitalistic dream. Building a company means hard work and personal sacrifices, but the potential rewards are well worth it. Let’s recap the main points of starting a firm:

  1. Market and competition researching;
  2. Creating a business plan;
  3. Gathering and investing money;
  4. Picking a location;
  5. Choosing the legal structure;
  6. Naming your brand;
  7. Registering the company;
  8. Obtaining federal/state tax ID;
  9. Getting licenses and permits;
  10. Opening a bank account.

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Tiffany HarperTiffany Harper is an experienced corporate sector writer, who sometimes helps as an expert to ninjaessay. She specializes in entrepreneurial development and start-up strategies. If you need essay help or business advice, don’t hesitate to contact her. When Tiffany is not working she is writing her book about self-growth and self-motivation.