5 Tips to Improve the Customer Identity Verification Process

Verifying and safeguarding customer identities is vital as online transactions and interactions become more prevalent in the digital era. The rise of e-commerce and online services demands robust Customer Identity Verification solutions. Businesses must balance delivering an impeccable customer experience and enforcing strong security measures to protect sensitive information.

Building trust in online transactions hinges on effective customer identity verification, prompting businesses to enhance their processes continuously. Despite its critical role in ensuring online trust and security, implementing Customer Identity Verification (CIV) presents various challenges for organizations.

Accommodate Diverse User Needs

Imagine a potential customer trying to sign up for a service but getting stuck because the instructions are unclear. While this isn’t an insurmountable problem, it could cost a business their customer. To prevent this, it’s important to evaluate how to support users regardless of accessibility needs, location, device, or language.

While it’s not necessary to accommodate everyone, limiting access due to risky device signals or location could be sensible. Support the target audience by addressing their diverse preferences and needs. Ensure that the identity verification (IDV) provider’s global reach matches business objectives.

Provide Various Verification Methods

To prevent delays and drop-offs, support various document and verification options. For example, when requiring government ID verification, allowing users to submit a driver’s license, state ID, national ID, or passport can simplify the process.

Incorporating modern identification methods like mobile driver’s licenses and e-passports can expedite verification. These electronic IDs share only essential personal information with the requesting party and minimize errors from unclear images. Get an MRZ scanner API to ensure hassle-free data extraction from government-issued IDs.

Customize the Process and Auto-complete the Information

Businesses can enhance trust by opting for an IDV solution that lets them personalize the appearance and design of their collection and verification processes. This customization can significantly influence user experience, just consult a UX expert. Tailor these changes to the audience’s needs, such as utilizing larger fonts for older demographics.

Streamline onboarding and reverification by pre-populating details users have already shared, like their name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email. This not only saves time for users but also reduces the likelihood of errors, benefiting everyone involved.

Describe the Process

To reassure users, explain why they request their information, how it will be safeguarded, and the intended use. For instance, mention that their name and phone number are used for identity verification and to secure their account against future fraud.

Providing clear and straightforward instructions is crucial throughout the process. Focus on precise language and accessibility, while also adhering to best practices like maintaining a single call to action per screen.

Ask Only for What’s Necessary

The risk-based segmentation and verification strategy helps businesses determine the least amount of information necessary to request. For instance, onboarding new users can be treated as a low-risk activity by initially only asking for their name and phone number.

Then, conduct a phone risk assessment in the background, allowing the user to proceed smoothly or prompting them for further identification. This flexible method enables businesses to detect malicious actors while ensuring a smooth experience for low-risk users.

Endnote

Whether creating a system or buying a verification solution from an external provider, it is crucial to ensure that this process is smooth and error-free for customers. This approach will significantly contribute to a reliable and satisfying shopping experience for both merchants and buyers every time.

Adam Torkildson
Adam is a proud American citizen, entrepreneur, 2x founder, father of 2, and married. He considers himself a Constitutional Conservative and loves to golf and read books when he's not running his businesses and writing content.