FACTA limits debit or credit card digits on receipts

Consumers should always be aware of the debit or credit card digits on receipts produced by cash registers to document the transaction. These debit and credit card digits on receipts could reveal personable identification information, which could compromise consumers’ finances.

To prevent identify theft and credit card fraud, federal regulations mandate merchants perform truncation on their electronically printed debit or credit card receipts.

Truncation is the act of limiting or omitting certain information on printed debit or credit card receipts to prevent fraudsters or identity thieves from stealing consumers’ account information.

Truncation is the main policy of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), which was enacted in 2003 to help combat the rising problem of identity theft. Under FACTA, merchants were ordered to limit or omit all but the last five debit or credit card digits on receipts, and to completely leave out the card’s expiration date.

For example, the following methods of displaying card information are not FACTA compliant. Some display too many numbers, while others display numbers that are outside the last five.

**** **** 1234 5678

1234 5*** **** ****

1*** **** **** ****

The following are FACTA-compliant card numbers:

**** **** ***1 2345

**** **** **** 4321

While up to the last five digits of a card may be displayed, fewer can be shown. Some companies choose to truncate card numbers down to the last four digits instead, since card numbers are typically 16 digits long and split into four sections of four.

Expiration dates, on the other hand, cannot be shown at all, and must be fully censored, like below:

**/**

**/****

Merchants were given until 2006 to update their cash registers to follow FACTA compliance, with federal regulation applying to all electronically printed receipts produced from cash registers, self-service kiosks and restaurant tickets.

It is important to note that the truncation requirement does not apply to hand written receipts, and experts advise consumers to decline a receipt or carefully hide it for their financial records.

Overview of FACTA compliance and fraud prevention

While federal law mandates merchants do their part in protecting consumers from thieves and fraudsters, there are also provisions consumers can take to lower their chances of those experiences. For example, consumers can opt to have the receipts destroyed after their transaction and can personally choose what will happen to their hand written receipts.

However, in the case of old fashioned handwritten receipts, experts advise consumers use cash because they will not have any control what will happen to their card number afterward. Overall, even if FACTA policy does not completely prevent theft or fraud, an educated consumer can greatly reduce the chances of occurrence.

Along with limiting the number of debit or credit card digits on receipts, FACTA also entitles consumers to a credit check from each of the three main credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Checking your credit report regularly allows you to make sure that your personal and financial information is accurate, and also helps you ensure that there are no fraudulent accounts in your name.

Filing a lawsuit over FACTA violations

Companies that are found to not be FACTA compliant can face $1,000 per violation, which can quickly add up. Moreover, if a machine has printed your receipt with a FACTA violation, it may have printed hundreds or even thousands of receipts with the same error, so many more consumers may be in a similar position.

Consumers who find that their receipts show the expiration date or more than the last five debit or credit card digits on a receipt may be able to file legal action against the company. Potential claimants should contact a FACTA lawyer to determine eligibility for a FACTA lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Free FACTA Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you made one or more purchases and the retailer provided you with a receipt that contained more than the last five digits of your credit or debit card number or the expiration date, you may be eligible for a free class action lawsuit investigation and to pursue compensation for these FACTA violations.

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