Received a huge order

not sure if we should ship

[Raymond]

We just received an order that is of about 8 to 9 times of a normal size order. We immediately performed all security checks and everything seemed legitimate. We even called and confirmed with the person who placed the order.

One thing we found was, the address is in Beverly Hills, LA. We even traced the exact house that the person is living in. It is good to know that this person is living in a multi-million dollars property.

Should I go ahead and ship out the order?

[cabowabo]

You've done the "due diligence" that should be done when the red flags come up. Since it is a state-side address and I will assume that you are in the US also, that should take 98% of the risk out.

Congrats on nailing a big one!

[Raymond]

We are still a little skeptical about this one. Probably because we just received an order 2 days ago from a kid who stole her mom's credit card. That was a big order also, and it was not even close to the size of this one.

[jamesa]

We had a string of fraud a while back and what we did on red flag orders is contact the banks directly. Our merchant account provider gave us the name/phone number of the card holder's issuing bank (based on the card number), and in every case the bank called the customer on our behalf to verify the charge. A fraudster can give you any number, but the bank will have the cardholder's real phone number.

[hfwd]

Ask the customer if he/she is willing to sign a credit card authorization form.

[Corey Bryant]

When you called the customer - did they confirm that it was her / him that placed the order? If so, do what the other member suggested, send them a credit card authorization form. You can ask for a copy of the front of the card - but not the back.

-Corey

[cabowabo]

Good idea, getting a xerox copy of the front and back of the card with their signature should be good protection.

[Corey Bryant]

But not the back. If you want the back - make sure they cross out the CVV

-Corey

[SkyDog]

If something seems too good to be true, usually it is. Do the billing and shipping address match? Did you get a card code?

[elgumbo]

One thing we found was, the address is in Beverly Hills, LA. We even traced the exact house that the person is living in. It is good to know that this person is living in a multi-million dollars property.

Disgruntled maid making up for years of crummy pay ;)

[moneymancn]

We set a limit to how much we ship with a credit cards order.
Ask them to pay by wire transfer and if it is genuine you will not lose it.
Sleep better then for the 6 months chargeback period too!

MM

[lgn1]

I would not even bet on the 6 months charge back period. Yes, most credit card companies will have a 6 month cutoff, but some have no limit. You can get a chargeback 2 years after the initial transaction.

[Corey Bryant]

Actualy it depends on the issuing bank & type of credit card. Usually American Express has no rules on chargebacks. I have seen some banks set their chargebacks to two months actually.

-Corey

[cabowabo]

AMEX has no limits on chargebacks. Seriously?

[Corey Bryant]

I have seen chargebacks from American Express as far back as 30 months. They seem to favor the consumer more than any other institution.

-Corey

[hfwd]

Have a clearly defined return policy. For example, clearly state that you will honor returns made within 60 days, and that you will refund the purchase price but not the shipping. Also say that the product must be in resaleable condition or has not been worn, or whatever.

This would help in limiting your chargebacks - or, if chargebacks happen, it will help you fight them.