Other Resources
ALL ARTICLES
RESOURCES
For many Money Service Businesses (MSBs), a point-of-sale (POS) check-cashing system is required in order to bank with Surety. Larger MSBs generally use these systems as intended but smaller, “mom-and-pop” MSBs often don’t fully understand the capabilities of the software they’re paying for each month.
This gap has created significant issues for MSBs and for our analysts when performing compliance reviews.
The truth is: your POS system is not just a transaction tool. It is a powerful compliance engine. And when it’s used correctly, it protects both your business and the bank.
Every approved vendor on Surety’s list provides a robust set of compliance features. These tools are designed to:
But when MSBs don’t know how to operate the system, or bypass required fields, these features fail, and risk increases.
The transcription captures several recurring issues we see during reviews. Below are the biggest problems and how to fix them.
MSBs must take a clear photo of each customer.
But many stores:
This becomes a problem when analysts need to match customers to suspicious activity.
Fix:
✔ Adjust the camera.
✔ Make sure the customer is actually looking at the lens.
✔ Retake the photo if it's unclear.
When an ID is scanned, the system autofills the address.
But 8 out of 10 profiles contain outdated, inaccurate addresses. This causes major compliance issues when filing CTRs or SARs.
Fix:
✔ Always verbally confirm the customer’s current address.
✔ Update the POS record manually when the ID address is outdated.
Some MSBs never used OFAC checks until Surety required POS systems.
Now they have access to the tool and still forget to use it.
Fix:
✔ Ensure OFAC checks run on every customer, every time.
This is one of the biggest issues.Many MSBs edit the payee section and mistakenly enter:
❌ The name of the person cashing the check (the conductor) instead of:
✔ The name of the entity the check is actually payable to.
This leads to:
Fix:
✔ Always enter the maker and payee correctly. ✔ Never leave fields blank. ✔ Never rely on whatever the system “guesses.”
Your POS system is capable of detecting fraudulent checks before you cash them. But some MSBs override alerts manually, sometimes losing thousands of dollars.
Fix:
✔ Trust the system.
✔ Never override a fraud alert.
✔ Stop the transaction and ask questions.
Most POS vendors offer:
MSBs are strongly encouraged to schedule additional training with their vendor to learn the system fully.
When MSBs use the POS system properly:
If the system is used upfront, risk drops dramatically and compliance becomes smoother for everyone.
Your POS system can only help you if you use it. By taking advantage of the features you’re already paying for, you’ll reduce risk, increase accuracy, and build a stronger compliance foundation for your business.
Browse by category to find articles and guides on specific topics of interest.
RESOURCES
Surety Bank continually works to provide greater accessibility to all of its products and services. If you have any questions about accessible banking, call us at 1-855-4SURETY
© 2025 Surety Bank
