Starting a POS business in Nigeria looks easy from the outside: get a POS machine, grab a chair and table, and wait for customers. After all, people need cash every day, so how hard can it be? But the real challenge is what is your POS business survival level POS business is about survival as much as it’s about making money.
Talk to experienced agents and you’ll hear stories of how many POS agents have lost their entire float to scams, fake alerts, or even theft. Some were dragged into fraud syndicates just because they allowed strangers to “use” their terminals.
That’s why this post shares POS business survival checklist, practical daily habits that will protect your money, your business, and your peace of mind.
POS Agents Safety Tips in 2026
1.Screenshot Is Not Enough Evidence
A customer flashes a mobile banking screenshot and insists they’ve transferred money. Too many agents have fallen for this, only to realize later the screenshot was fake. When next this happens, don’t get angry or panic
What to do:
- Don’t release cash until you confirm the funds in your merchant app balance or transaction history.
- Always ask the customer to wait while you check. If they rush you, that’s a red flag.
2. Print Receipts and Keep Yours Safe
Disputes happen. Customers may claim they didn’t get cash or that you shortchanged them. Without receipts, it’s your word against theirs. In other to avoid long stories,
What to do:
- Always issue a receipt and keep a copy for yourself (or back it up digitally).
- At closing, reconcile receipts against your float to spot discrepancies early.
3. Don’t Let Strangers “Use” Your POS Machine
Letting strangers use your POS is a mistake that could destroy your POS business survival chances. Or letting them use your account to collect large sum of money because you will make 2500 to 3000 naira commission. What seems harmless may later connect your terminal to fraudulent transactions or a case of kidnapping syndicate.
What to do:
- Politely decline strangers who want to “use” your device for deposits.
- For regulars, record their name, phone number, and ID.
- Never allow someone else to operate your device unsupervised.
Read: How To Start a POS Business in Nigeria (Without Wasting Money or Time)
4. Control Large Cash Withdrawals
Fraudsters often test agents by requesting for big withdrawals. For instance, a customer may work up to you asking if you have up to 300,000 naira. Giving out huge payouts to people you don’t know makes you a target for scams or robbery. It may be harmless or what they want to find out is if you always have large sum so they can target you.
What to do:
- Set a reasonable withdrawal cap (₦20k–₦50k) until you know the customer.
- For larger withdrawals, ask for and record a valid ID.
5. Prioritize Physical Safety
It’s not only fraud you should worry about, theft and robbery are real threats. When choosing a POS location, safety should be at the back of your mind. Consider the sitation of the country, it’s good you pay extra attention as no one will insecure your space better than yourself.
What to do:
- Choose a safe, well-lit location.
- Keep your float lean and restock in smaller amounts during the day.
- Trust your gut. If a transaction feels unsafe, cancel it.
6. Keep Float and Personal Cash Separate
Mixing your own money with your POS business cash is both confusing and risky. It’s confusing as you may forget how much you added to your POS business. It is also risky as what if you lose some to stealing of scam. It’s better to keep your POS money separate from other funds.
What to do:
- Dedicate a wallet or purse for your POS money.
- Don’t keep all your cash in one place; split it into smaller amounts.
- This minimizes loss if you get scammed or robbed.
7. Secure Your Device and Accounts
Many agents lose money not because of fraudsters, but because of their own carelessness. In POS business, being careless or not being vigilant enough will cause you.
What to do:
- Never share your merchant PIN or settlement login.
- Train your staff and monitor their transactions.
- Change default passwords, disable unused features (Bluetooth/NFC), and secure your Wi-Fi.
8. Learn How Chargebacks Work
Chargeback is a common scam where a customer pays with their card, then later calls their bank to claim it wasn’t them. Without evidence, the bank reverses the money and you lose both the cash and commission.
POS business survival tip:
- Keep receipts, timestamps, CCTV footage (if available), and customer details.
- Record phone numbers and NINs in your logbook.
- Evidence is your only defense.
POS Business Survival: What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Even the most careful agents face fraud attempts. How you react determines if your POS business survives.
- Stop payouts immediately.
- Document everything (screenshots, timestamps, customer details).
- Report to your POS provider/acquiring bank and get a ticket ID.
- Follow up in writing (SMS or email).
- File a police report as it’s often required by banks and regulators.
If you’re a NowNow POS agent, you can report cases directly to their fraud desk via email.
About NowNow
NowNow has the best POS in the Nigerian Market. The POS is fast, reliable, portable and safe. If you are thinking of starting a POS business or want to switch your service provider, consider choosing the NowNow POS. You can contact out support team on and Call +234 0700-066-9669 or send an email to customercare@nownow.ng and we will get someone to se your up quickly
Conclusion
The POS business without daily survival habits, your business could collapse in months. Think of this checklist as your POS business survival toolkit. Practice it until it becomes second nature. In this line of work, survival isn’t luck, it’s discipline. If you’re about to start a POS business in Nigeria, bookmark this checklist. It could be the difference between surviving or shutting down within six months.