Shared Responsibility in Digital Commerce

Digital commerce is the backbone of our economy – and at the same time a gateway for new forms of fraud. During the Golden Shopping Season, rising transaction volumes make fraudulent activity particularly visible. While millions of purchases run smoothly, cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities across the entire value chain. “Online fraud is not a marginal phenomenon, but a systemic risk,” warns Kai Pochmann, Business Line Lead at Riverty. “Especially during the most profitable period of the year, it becomes even more important to reflect on how trust and security can be upheld together”

1.  Collaboration Instead of Fighting Alone

Secure digital commerce can only succeed when banks, retailers, logistics partners, PSPs, fintechs and authorities work hand in hand. “Fraud prevention must not be a competitive advantage,” says Pochmann. “It is a shared responsibility for the stability of the digital ecosystem.” Regular exchange of data, warning signals and best practices helps companies recognise new fraud patterns early.

Across the industry, companies increasingly rely on each other’s signals: PSPs forward fraud scores to payment methods to strengthen risk assessment; logistics partners halt or review suspicious shipments; merchants flag unusual account behavior that may indicate account takeovers.

This shift reflects a broader trend, digital commerce operates less as a linear chain and more as an interconnected network, where information flows continuously.

2.  Use Data Intelligence Purposefully

Real-time data analysis and AI-powered risk models make it possible to identify suspicious transactions before damage occurs. “But technology alone is not enough,” explains Pochmann. “What truly matters is reflecting on how machine learning, human expertise and cross-company knowledge transfer work together.”

3.  Strengthen Cross-Border Investigations

Most organised fraud networks operate globally. False identities, anonymised payment methods and distributed servers make local responses insufficient. Joint forensics and coordinated cross-border investigations are essential to gaining deeper insights into how fraud networks function. The better these structures are understood, the less incentive there is for perpetrators.

4.  Put Consumer Trust at the Center

Despite its complexity, fraud prevention ultimately serves a simple goal: protecting the end consumer. Clear communication, transparency in payment processes and secure alternatives such as Buy Now, Pay Later can reduce uncertainty in moments of high purchase intensity. Demonstrating a strong commitment to security strengthens both consumer protection and long-term loyalty.

5.  Anchor Prevention in Corporate Strategy

Fraud prevention should not be a reactive topic but part of a company’s DNA – from IT to payment to customer service. “Long-term success develops where security is consciously considered,” Pochmann concludes. “Training, clear processes and automated risk management systems are the foundation for this.”

About Riverty

Riverty, the fintech arm of Bertelsmann, supports thousands of merchants and over 28 million consumers by processing more than 80 million transactions monthly. Offering flexible payments, debt collection, and smart accounting solutions, Riverty empowers businesses and consumers with cutting-edge financial services. With a dedicated team of over 4,000 employees across 11 countries in Europe and North America, Riverty is a leader in delivering comprehensive financial solutions.