When it comes to building relationships with customers, call centers are key. These centers are the very first impression that customers have of your business. They are also where loyalties are born. Nearly 77% of customers say that outstanding customer service is the key to repeat business. Every interaction, from greetings to complaints, to resolutions, plays a crucial role in company success.
But, with increased business comes an increased need for data security. If you are dealing with call center compliance challenges, you are not alone. Over 96% of call centers report compliance issues at any given time. Identifying issues and incorporating solutions into your call center compliance training protocol will help you avoid these issues and keep call centers operating smoothly.
Ready to learn more? Here are the three most common call center compliance pitfalls, and how to avoid them in the first place.
It is crucial to let customers know if you are collecting information. Many companies record calls, but the call center needs to disclose this information in case a customer wants to opt out. Always make sure you are disclosing when calls are monitored or evaluated.
What are the compliance risks of monitoring calls without consent?
If companies do not comply with monitoring disclosure requirements, risks include class action lawsuits, messy litigation, and severe reputation damage. Some states have even stricter laws than federal ones. Disclosures must be given whenever companies are collecting information.
The solution:
There are several regulations regarding payment information collection. Payment card regulations, like the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Rule, prohibit call centers from obtaining credit card information like CSV numbers, pin codes and other information. This is to protect consumers from cybersecurity attacks and fraud.
What are the compliance risks if payment information is captured?
Along with regulatory consequences, like fines and fraud charges, failure to follow payment collection processes can mean a reputation hit for your business. Customers will remember those discrepancies and lose trust in your company. This can be devastating.
The solution:
The United States has quite a few guidelines that prohibit the transfer of private information. These regulations also protect consumers from discriminatory business practices. Rules like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contain obligations for the handling and obtaining of health information. This means that all data related to health information should follow strict HIPAA regulations, including the storage and transfer of the information.
These regulations are not limited to health information. Other U.S. regulatory compliance rules include:
What are the compliance risks of not following HIPAA rules and other guidelines?
Call centers must not share or transfer customer health information without written consent. In fact, most healthcare organizations will only work with call centers that are following HIPAA rules and guidelines. If the call center is not compliant, it can be subject to fines, massive lawsuits, and reputation damage.
The solution:
Understanding call center compliance risks can feel overwhelming. But with research, best practices, and a robust quality assurance program, you can ensure your call center is constantly mitigating compliance risk and building trust with customers.
Are you ready to see these guidelines in action? Scorebuddy helped the World Wildlife Fund for Nature navigate their compliance issues and helped expand their customer service standards. And the results are anything but wild.
