Debit Card Information on Receipts

Consumers across America use their credit or debit cards for purchases every day, oftentimes getting a printed receipt as proof of purchase.

However most consumers are unaware of the information their credit or debit card receipts must contain, or the federal laws governing the process.

Credit or debit card information on the receipt can be vital identification information for the consumer, and primary targets for fraudsters and identity thieves.

In 2003, the federal government implemented the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) to combat the growing problem of identity theft and credit card fraud.

Under FACTA rules, merchants who produce electronically printed receipts must restrict the amount of credit or debit card information on the slips of paper. This process, called truncation, is only exposing certain numbers of the card on the receipt and completely omitting the expiration date.

Ultimately, only the last five numbers of the account number should be the only credit or debit card information on the receipt, in order for to be in FACTA compliance.

However if there are less than five numbers but the numbers appear at the beginning of the account number, it counts as a FACTA violation because the policy requires absolute compliance.

Instead of the numbers, FACTA requires merchants to replace the numbers with other symbols so the vital credit or debit card information is not revealed.

FACTA rules apply to all electronically printed customer receipts printed by cash registers, self service kiosks, and restaurant tickets.

FACTA Compliance and Debit Card Information

In order for the merchant to be completely within FACTA compliance the receipt given to the customer must only show the last five digits and must omit the expiration date, at the point of sale or transaction.

Overall FACTA is meant to help protect consumers against fraudsters and identity thieves by hiding personal identification the could be potentially revealed from credit or debit card information.

Experts advise consumers to keep a close eye on their credit or debit card receipts, and to immediately inform the merchant their electronic printing system is not within FACTA compliance. In addition, consumers should be aware of the following regarding their credit or debit card receipts:

• Under FACTA rules, receipts have become more secure but are not full proof
• Consumers should always sign with their real name, because the receipt is considered a “legally binding contract”
• Consumers should keep their receipts for reference
• If the merchant lacks a modern cash register, it is probably better they do not get a receipt because consumers have no control over what happens to their credit or debit card information after the point of sale

Consumers who find FACTA violations on their credit or debit card receipts may be eligible for compensation from the merchant. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have a FACTA lawsuit.

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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