Global Payments, the Sandy Springs-based credit and debit processor at the center of an unfolding data breach, is a growing player in the world of electronic transactions.
The state of Georgia -- specifically, metro Atlanta -- is a global financial technology and payments processing hub.
Global Payments processes billions of electronic transactions each year -- including payment cards, gift cards and checks -- at more than 1 million places of business worldwide, according to the company’s website.
The company processes major card brands, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Global Payments’ merchant clients range from small, independent operators to multinational companies. Its roster of industries includes retail, dining, education, professional services, government, lodging and gambling.
The company’s net income was $61.2 million for the quarter ended Nov. 30, up 14 percent from the same period in 2010. Global Payments’ 2011 fiscal year profit was $209.3 million on $1.86 billion in revenue.
In the wake of the data breach, Steve Coggeshall, chief technology officer at San Diego, Calif.-based ID Analytics, said consumers should monitor their credit card statements for unauthorized charges and limit the amount of times they divulge personal information.
If consumers spot unusual payment activity, Coggeshall said they should notify their credit card company or bank and contact the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center (www.IDtheftcenter.org) for further assistance.
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