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How did the project start?
In becoming one of the most sought after eCommerce solutions providers in the UK, Visualsoft has naturally practised selling online inhouse. Through developing J600.com, a leading retailer of designer footwear, Visualsoft has discovered and overcome virtually all of the problems a company may face as it grows online.
This has included overcoming online fraud which is a major issue to all designer/ brand orientated retailers. On average, about one in ten orders online are an attempt at fraud and with charge backs often occuring many months later, online retailers are the ones who pay the price.
Visualsoft wanted to create a fraud solution for both J600.com and for its clients which could extend beyond the solutions offered by most leading online payment providers.
What options did you consider?
There was only ever going to be one option available to ourselves. This was a solution integrated with both the eCommerce site payment provider and with the Visualsoft eCommerce platform.
What help and expertise did you receive?
In developing the fraud checking system, we worked closely with a number of major online payment providers. We also consulted with a number of Visualsoft clients to understand in depth the problem and to develop the best possible solution for all Visualsoft clients.
All development was carried out inhouse, where quality could be maintained and where ideas could be tried and tested in one place. All testing was carried out on J600.com and stringent testing took place before the system was realeased to client websites.
Did you face and challenges or learn any lessons?
It was essential in developing the fraud module that as many accurate checks could be put in place as possible. With so many different types of retailers with different target marketplaces it was very difficult to develop an automated system which took into account all manner of business.
To overcome these issues, Visualsoft built a large fraud system, encompassing checks and protocols for every type of retailer and then only switched on checks relevant/ suited to the eCommerce site in question. The complete eCommerce fraud module featured the following:
-Phone number checking
-Delivery/ Billing Checking
-IP Database checking
-Search Terms
-High Order Value Checks
-Purchase History
-Failed Transactions
-Email Address Check
The Fraud system also checks against a database information of previous known fraudulent traits and bans transactions where required.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
Fraud moves at an alarming rate and the module introduced to the Visualsoft system will need to be developed upon each time a new payment service/ option is introduced. However, the fraud module was such an instant success on the J600.com website that it was immediately introduced to all client websites within weeks of its initial launch.
With the accompanied Visualsoft fraud guide which is distributed to all clients, fraud in eCommerce has become more readily identifiable. As well as saving time and money in dealing with fraudulent transactions, the new technology serves as another key feature in choosing Visualsoft a an eCommerce partner.
What are your plans for the future?
As fraud moves so quickly, the system will require regular updates. With over 1.5 million pounds of fraud identified by Visualsoft fraud checker in 2008 alone, there is every reason to continue to maintain these standards. Plans for the future include building upon the technology, but equally important is raising awareness to authories (supported by evidence) of the scale of fraud online and the need to become more proactive in procecuting those guilty of online fraud.
