Americans are not shy about celebrating our nation’s birthday. We eat, drink, parade, and party patriotically. In fact, in 2013 the National Retail Federation reported that 160 million people, or 68% of Americans, participated in July 4th festivities…basically proving that it is un-American not to celebrate (and SPEND) on Independence Day.
Consider that last year, Deal News reported that $600 million was spent on fireworks, $2.4 billion on cookouts, and over 150 million hot dogs were eaten (that’s 1/2 a hot dog per American citizen!). And this year, Wallet Hub reported that because the 4th falls on a Friday, an estimated 41% of people are expected to combine a weekend getaway compared with just 31% in 2013.
Of course, this means more gas for those road trips, more trips to the grocery store for those cookout supplies, and more credit and debit card swipes this weekend. Along with providing various payment options for their customers, retailers know that there is a risk for fraud that comes along with accepting cards. The big box hacks may be old news, but today’s reality is that even the roadside firework stand with their portable terminal is susceptible to an attack.
Fraudsters don’t discriminate – even on America’s most celebrated day. Retailers and consumers alike can be proactive in being safe while partaking in the holiday festivities – and year-round with new security technologies like Bluefin’s PCI-validated P2PE solution which encrypts cardholder data in the point of entry device so it is not available as clear-text cardholder data in the POS where it could be exposed. Combined with EMV and tokenization, we see it as the most practical, holistic tool available to combat credit card fraud.
And if you’re still looking for something to do this weekend – check out Wallet Hub’s compilation of 2014’s Best and Worst Cities for 4th of July Celebrations. Using metrics from weather, outdoor attractions, and entertainment and food, the reports stats show there is a fun, economical city near you to partake in Independence Day festivities. Happy 4th!
