Fraud isn't new, but the way most fleet managers fight it today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. What once felt like a constant game of catch-up - fueling trucks, tracking expenses, and dealing with misuse - has evolved into a proactive, tech-driven defense designed to provide security and stop fraud before it happens. The answer lies in modern fleet cards.

Why PCI Compliance Matters More Than You Think

Card security isn't just about the card itself; it's also about how data is handled behind the scenes. That's where PCI compliance comes in.

The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) sets strict rules for how card data is stored, transmitted, and protected. Modern fleet card programs are built to meet these standards, reducing the risk of data breaches at every step of the transaction.

In practical terms, PCI compliance helps ensure:

• Card data is encrypted
• Sensitive information isn't stored unnecessarily
• Systems are monitored and tested regularly

Security That Goes Beyond the Fleet Card

Here's where fleet cards really separate themselves from consumer cards. Modern fleet card programs provide more robust reporting and control at both the card and driver levels. They operate on separate payment networks from consumer credit cards​. Some common features include:

• Transaction alerts for suspicious activity
• Fuel-only or merchant restrictions to prevent misuse
• Time-of-day and day-of-week controls
• Geographic limits to flag out-of-route purchases
• If a transaction doesn't match expected behavior, it can be flagged or declined instantly.

Data Reporting Changes the Fraud Equation

Another major evolution is data reporting. In the past, fraud often wasn't discovered until weeks later, when a statement arrived. Today, fleet managers can typically view transactions within 24 hours through online dashboards and reporting tools, and in some cases, even in near real time.

Implementing exception reporting adds another layer of protection, as it highlights activities that fall outside established rules and policies. Fleet managers can create exception reports by defining what normal, approved behavior looks like for their operation. Parameters may include approved fueling hours, allowable fuel types, expected tank capacities, or geographic limits. When a transaction doesn't align with those rules, it is automatically flagged as an exception. This allows managers to focus their attention on inconsistencies rather than reviewing every individual purchase.

For Mansfield customers, exception reporting is available directly on FuelNet, Mansfield's fuel management platform, and can also be emailed daily, showing the activities flagged the previous day. Managers can choose which types of exceptions they want to monitor and adjust them as operations evolve. By surfacing the transactions that require review, exception reporting helps control costs, reinforce proper fuel card use, and identify potential fraud or misuse in a consistent and manageable way.

Is your fleet using today's security tools to their full potential, or relying on protections designed for yesterday's risks?

If your organization is struggling with vendor management, lacks transparency in pricing, or finds it difficult to track expenses and receipts, it may be time to consider centralizing your fuel program with fleet cards. Companies that operate across regions or require a robust network of fuel providers benefit most from this approach.

Mansfield is a leader in the fleet card industry, serving diverse commercial and government clients. Mansfield offers total insight into detailed driver and vehicle-level trends to help you determine how your drivers should fuel. Plus, all fueling transaction data is consolidated into one secure platform to centralize control and payment - leading to more control and lower overall fuel spending.

Simplify fuel expenses with fleet cards and drive efficiency in your business operations. Contact us today!