MasterCard launches Hidden Image Reader Pilot Program in Singapore

On Wednesday, MasterCard launched its Hidden Image Reader pilot program with Best Denki and OCBC Bank in Singapore. The month-long pilot program provides staff at Best Denki outlets with an easy-to-use tool to combat counterfeit payment card fraud.

The Hidden Image Readers are special readers which allow for merchants to read a “hidden image” on the MasterCard hologram. This “hidden image” is yet another MasterCard payment card security feature, which can be used to better distinguish between a genuine and counterfeit card.

The Hidden Image Reader works by focusing a beam onto a specific part of the MasterCard hologram, revealing the “hidden image” which is typically hidden to the naked eye. These readers will enable staff at Best Denki to easily test the authenticity of all MasterCard cards used at outlets across Singapore. All that is required of counter staff is to insert the MasterCard card provided by the cardholder into the reader, and to ensure that the appropriate image appears. In line with the pilot program, merchant training has also been provided by MasterCard to Best Denki’s staff.

The readers will be rolled out across all of Best Denki outlets - Century Square, Great World City, IMM Building, Junction 8, Ngee Ann City, Parkway Parade, Plaza Singapura, Thomson Plaza and Vivo City.

“Understanding that merchants are on the front lines of commerce, MasterCard is committed to working in collaboration with them to provide practical tools to combat fraud. This initiative is the latest element in MasterCard’s long-running, holistic approach to protecting the payments system and advancing security in commerce, and we are delighted to be working with Best Denki and OCBC Bank for this,” said Barry Wong, senior business leader, Security and Risk Services, Asia Pacific, MasterCard Worldwide.

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