By: Thomas Wasson
Article originally appeared in FreightWaves.

Fuel fraud is a growing problem impacting the bottom line for fleets of all sizes. But Vice President of Sales Rich Taute at QuikQ, says RFID technology and multifactor authentication are expanding the way fleets can proactively combat these fraudulent transactions. 

Taute began his career back in 1995 running truck stops then moved on to selling fuel directly to fleets that used fuel discount programs. He then spent 10 years at EFS managing fuel payments before becoming a vice president of national accounts. 

He explains that QuikQ’s payment platform runs on a QuikQ rail that connects directly with the truck stop and authorizes the transaction between fleet and truck stop via a credit line or direct bill. A payment rail is the infrastructure that moves money from one party to another. It can be in the form of ACH, or wire transfers, or it can be initiated by RFID technology or fuel cards, which QuikQ specializes in. QuikQ’s RFID technology begins with a sticker slightly larger than a credit card that is applied on the inside of a tractor’s windshield. The RFID technology QuikQ uses is currently deployed at Love’s and TA/Petro locations. 

For Taute, the added security of RFID technology remains unparalleled when combating fuel fraud and card skimming. Fuel fraud is significantly impacting carriers, he adds, noting the average fraudulent transaction can be $650 to $1,000. Fraud remains prevalent but is often an underreported risk. Taute recently conducted a LinkedIn poll in which 17% of respondents said they had experienced fuel fraud, 33% were not aware of fraud but hadn’t experienced it, and 50% of respondents had no idea fuel fraud was out there. This turns fuel fraud into an issue where “So for most fleets, it’s not a problem until it’s a problem, and [that’s] really what the marketplace is all about right now.”

For carriers that are victims of fraud, finding a resolution can be difficult. Unlike a consumer fraud transaction, a carrier’s commercial fraud transactions are not guaranteed to be credited.

For truck stops and fueling locations that do not have the RFID receivers installed, QuikQ also offers a traditional fuel card that includes additional security features. One of those features, Secure Swipe, a multifactor authentication for the driver to approve before the transaction is preauthorized.

One example of QuikQ’s SecureSwipe multifactor authentication is when drivers arrive to fuel their tractors. When the driver swipes their fuel card, they instantly receive a text message asking them to confirm the location where the card was swiped with a simple yes or no. If the driver replies Yes, the transaction proceeds.. If the response is no, the transaction is automatically declined. For drivers who accidentally decline a transaction, all it takes is a call to their carrier to confirm and reactivate the transaction. Another security feature QuikQ utilizes is the “One-Hour Rule.” This limits transactions to one per hour at ANY QuikQ merchant, not just the location of the initial transaction.

When using RFID technology, location matters and truck fuel and reefer fuel authorizations are tied into the location of the RFID antenna and tag. Once a tractor moves away from the pump, the RFID tag disengages, and the pump will automatically turn off. Taute says location-based RFID fuel authorization helps prevent a common form of fuel fraud, splash fueling. This is when a driver activates the pump with their fuel card, but actually pulls their truck forward, and sells fuel for cash, to the driver behind them. RFID technology prevents this because the pump and transaction automatically end after the driver pulls forward and out of range of the receiver.

Relationships with trusted payment providers matter for fleets and fuel providers attempting to combat fraud. Taute notes a challenge for small fleets and owner-operators is getting quick access to a live staff member, with many customers not even knowing who their representative is or how to quickly get in contact when fraud occurs.

For large nationwide truckload fleets, “You [have] the Batphone to everyone you need in a company.” Smaller fleets and owner-operators are not so lucky. Taute adds, “However, we’ve talked to some carriers that have hundreds of trucks and they complain about not having a relationship with their billing card company when it comes to dealing with fraud.” Allowing fleets of all sizes quick access to a representative when issues arise and avoiding the byzantine call queue wait is a major advantage for QuikQ.

By: Rich Taute

In the transportation industry, getting things done efficiently is the key to your business. You don’t have the time to let fraud derail your operations or reputation. That’s why the team at QuikQ is constantly working on new and innovative ways to help prevent fuel fraud.

Knowledge is power when it comes to fighting fuel fraud, so read on for a comprehensive guide on recognizing common red flags associated with fraudulent fuel transactions. You’ll also learn more about QuikQ's commitment to security and the features within our Q-Secure suite of solutions that actively detect and prevent suspicious activities.

Identifying Possible Fraud

Let's explore some key red flags that drivers and carrier managers should always be on the lookout for:

• Unusual Transaction Locations: Watch out for transactions from locations not typically frequented by your fleet. Monitor for fueling transactions outside of your designated routes or common stops.
• Inconsistent Fueling Patterns: Take note of sudden changes in fueling patterns, like unexpected increases in fuel consumption or irregular intervals between transactions. Additionally, be cautious if fueling activities don’t line up with your typical fueling tendencies or historical data.
• Abnormal Fuel Volumes: Keep an eye on transactions involving unusually large fuel volumes that exceed the standard capacity of your vehicles. Also, watch for repeated transactions just below the reporting threshold, as that is a frequent method fraudsters use to go unnoticed.
• Frequent Fueling at Odd Hours: You may want to raise a red flag if your fleet is consistently fueling during unusual hours or outside of regular operational schedules. Monitor transactions closely during off-peak times for any irregularities.
• Multiple Transactions from a Single Location: Be cautious if there are multiple transactions from the same location within a short timeframe. This could indicate an attempt to exploit a compromised system or engage in fraudulent activities.

Q-Secure: Proactive Fraud Prevention

Now that we've covered some irregular fueling activities that could uncover fraud, let's explore how QuikQ's Q-Secure suite goes above and beyond to actively prevent fuel fraud.

SmartQ RFID: Authenticating Physical Presence

QuikQ's SmartQ RFID is a great example of our commitment to your security. It is the only fuel payment product that authenticates a truck's physical presence at the pump, adding an unparalleled layer of security and fraud protection. This innovative solution offers a seamless and secure cardless fueling experience, encompassing a vast network of major chains such as Love's, TA, TA Express, and Petro.

Secure Swipe: Real-Time Authentication

Secure Swipe introduces an innovative, real-time method for drivers to authenticate fuel transactions via SMS text messaging. Upon swiping their QuikQ fuel card, drivers receive a verification prompt on the Point of Sale (POS) system and a simultaneous text for transaction confirmation. This real-time authentication process ensures the driver is physically present with their QuikQ fuel card during the purchase, preventing potential fraud. In the event of a denial, QuikQ instantly deactivates the card, alerting both the driver and the carrier.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protecting Portal Users

Recognizing the importance of protecting customer data in our Client Portal, we implemented Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for portal users. This enhancement not only blocks 100% of automated bots, 96% of phishing attacks and 76% of targeted attacks but also adds an extra layer of protection in case users misplace their second authentication method.

One-Hour Rule: A Proactive Deterrent

We implemented our One-Hour Rule as a direct way to mitigate certain types of fuel fraud. This rule restricts fuel cards from being used more than once per hour at any QuikQ accepting merchant. Serving as a strong deterrent to potential fraudsters, the One-Hour Rule significantly reduces the opportunity for unauthorized or suspicious transactions.

QuikQ's Q-Secure suite of features is not just a response to evolving threats—it's a proactive measure that showcases our dedication to safeguarding financial interests and maintaining a high level of security. By combining innovative technology with a commitment to transparency and security, QuikQ empowers truck drivers and carrier managers to navigate the roadways with confidence, knowing that their transactions are protected by a comprehensive and dynamic fraud prevention system.

The program elevates fleet payment security with SMS verification.

QuikQ, a trusted provider of innovative and secure fuel payment, corporate payment and fraud prevention solutions, is pleased to announce the release of its cutting-edge security feature, "Secure Swipe." Secure Swipe offers an innovative, real-time method for drivers to authenticate their fuel transaction purchases via SMS text messaging.

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Fraud has become an increasingly prevalent and dangerous threat year after year, affecting individuals and businesses alike. Fuel card fraud, in particular, remains a significant concern for fleet operators.

Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals alarming statistics: consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, marking a staggering 30 % increase from the previous year. The FTC received fraud reports from a whopping 2.4 million consumers in the same period.

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The partnership enables fleets to create a robust single fuel payment system.

QuikQ, a trusted provider of innovative and secure fuel payment, corporate payment and fraud prevention solutions, is pleased to announce it has entered into a strategic partnership with OPW Fuel Management Systems, a part of the Dover Fueling Solutions (DFS) family of brands that is a leading provider of fueling products and systems. The partnership will provide QuikQ-enabled trucking fleets that use OPW’s PetroVend terminal systems with a convenient way to process onsite terminal fuel purchases securely and seamlessly.

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Nothing is more important to us than your trust and loyalty, and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve your QuikQ experience while keeping your data safe. Protecting your data in the QuikQ portal is as important to us as protecting your drivers’ transactions at the pump.

That’s why we are making Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) mandatory for portal users beginning September 5. All employees that need access to your portal must turn on portal 2FA by that date.

Why 2FA?

We like 2FA because it requires you to provide something you know (your password) and something you have (a code sent to your phone or email). This way, even if someone steals or guesses your password, they still won’t be able to log in without that second factor.

Additionally, we really like 2FA because it blocks 100% of automated bots, 96% of phishing attacks and 76% of targeted attacks. This is incredibly important considering a huge majority (81%) of hacking-related breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords.

What will happen on September 5?

The next time you sign on, after September 5, you will be prompted to enter an additional code that was sent to your email address. After entering that code, you’ll be taken to the portal as usual.

We appreciate you working with us to add this important layer of security to your account. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact our customer support team at (855) 947-2787 or customer@quikqsupport.com.

In our commitment to revolutionize the transportation industry, QuikQ has consistently sought partnerships that enhance our mission of delivering efficient, affordable and customer-centric solutions. Our collaboration with ProMiles perfectly encapsulates this vision, resulting in the creation of QuikQ Drive.

QuikQ Drive is not just another navigation tool; it's a transformative experience for drivers. Leveraging the prowess of ProMiles' impeccable mapping, mileage and routing data, QuikQ Drive ensures that every journey you embark upon is optimized to the fullest.

With our platform, drivers can effortlessly plan their route, pinpointing the best and most economical fuel stops along the way. Real-time fuel pricing information ensures you always get the best deal, while flexible routing options, including the ability to include or exclude toll roads, guarantee your route aligns with your budget.

In addition to navigation, QuikQ Drive is all about customization. Whether it's selecting a route based on trailer axle types or choosing from a specific fuel network, our platform molds itself to your needs. The user-friendly interface, powered by ProMiles, ensures that even the most tech-averse individual can navigate with ease.

Speaking of ProMiles, their reputation in the trucking industry is unparalleled. Their dedication to continuous improvement and keenness to incorporate consumer feedback makes them a favorite among many.

Together, QuikQ and ProMiles are setting new standards in the transportation industry, with QuikQ Drive as a testament to our shared vision of excellence and innovation.

QuikQ, a trusted provider of innovative and secure fuel payment, corporate payment and fraud prevention solutions, is pleased to announce an upgraded interactive interface with McLeod Software’s LoadMaster Enterprise dispatch software.

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