Which of the following is NOT a step to prevent a bad credit card transaction?

The correct answer reflects that calling the customer for verification is not a standard step in preventing a bad credit card transaction. Typical procedures for validating a credit card involve actions that can be executed quickly and directly at the point of payment, such as swiping the card, checking for expiration, and ensuring that the name on the card matches associated records like a rental agreement. These steps are designed to utilize the directly available information and technology to minimize risk during the transaction process.

In contrast, calling a customer for verification may not only be impractical due to time constraints but could also lead to delays that affect customer satisfaction. Furthermore, modern transaction systems often include built-in measures for fraud detection and verification, reducing the need for such manual outreach. Hence, while customer verification is important overall, it is not considered a fundamental step like the others, which are integral to the immediate transaction process.