Holiday sales are soaring—projected to hit $1.353 trillion—but so are hidden fees and fraud. From stealthy processor markups to digital scams and chargebacks, merchants risk losing thousands during their busiest season. Stay ahead by auditing statements, strengthening fraud defenses, and negotiating smarter. This year, make sure your holiday profits don’t become someone else’s payday.
EMV offline fraud lets fraudsters walk out of stores unpaid by tricking terminals into approving fake contactless transactions. With card-not-present fraud surging and offline loopholes exploited, merchants face growing risks. VeriFee helps businesses detect vulnerabilities, implement safeguards like velocity controls and authentication tools, and reclaim control over secure payments—ensuring fraud doesn’t hijack your revenue this holiday season.
The proposed reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to III could reshape financial access for cannabis businesses, enabling banking, credit card processing, tax deductions, and research. While promising, it also introduces new regulatory hurdles, market competition, and oversight challenges. The shift marks progress—but success depends on strategic adaptation, especially for small businesses and fintechs entering a newly legitimized space.
Junk fees, including credit card surcharges, are drawing increased regulatory scrutiny for inflating consumer costs and eroding trust. In 2023, U.S. merchants paid over $100 billion in processing fees. Federal and state crackdowns on hidden and deceptive pricing practices are reshaping the landscape, making transparency and compliance essential for protecting margins and preserving consumer confidence.
Cash isn’t free—hidden costs like theft, handling, and security can exceed 15%, making it more expensive than many realize. Credit card fees, while visible and negotiable, are often lower and offer better tracking, security, and speed. For growing businesses, accepting cards may ultimately increase profits, reduce risk, and streamline operations when paired with cost-optimized processing.
