Proof of Authorization
All merchants are required to obtain authorization to process transactions for their customers. Merchants must be able to produce qualifying proof of this authorization to Forte in the event that it is needed. Otherwise, they will face a number of possible penalties including, but not limited to, additional processing fees, funding holds, lost chargebacks, and even termination. The type of proof that is required for authorization can vary by payment channel.
Authorization Requirements by SEC Code/Transaction type
ARC - Merchant must provide copy of source document and copy of notice to consumer that check will be converted to an ACH entry.
POP - Merchant must provide copy of receipt with merchant name, telephone number, date of transaction, amount, check serial number, merchant number, terminal city and state.
PPD - Merchant must provide copy of written authorization signed by consumer.
CCD - Merchant must provide copy of the signed written business contract.
TEL - Merchant must provide copy of verbal authorization (audio recording). If audio recording was not made, merchant must submit a copy of the follow-up letter mailed to the consumer, which details the payment according to the phone conversation.
RCK - Merchant must provide copy of source document and copy of notice to consumer that check will be converted to an ACH entry.
WEB - Merchant must provide copy of internet authorization as seen by the authenticator, along with authorization time & date stamp, and user IP address.