The Payments Security Task Force and the EMV Migration Forum have launched an industry-wide "Chip In" education initiative, according to an announcement from the two groups.

In April, the forum and task force launched GoChipCard.com, a website that explains the "what and why" of chip cards, and provides instructions for using them. Additionally, the site offers reference materials for consumers, issuers and merchants.

Now the website's creators are asking industry stakeholders to "chip in" to help expand education efforts directed at consumers and small businesses.

"After only one successful transaction, consumers understand how to use their new chip cards," said Randy Vanderhoof, director of the EMV Migration Forum. "We want to make their first impression with chip technology a positive one, and make paying with chip the 'new normal' this year. To meet this goal, [we] are asking the industry to expand education efforts by participating in the new Chip In education initiative."

The initiative equips issuers, merchants, acquirers and others with educational messages and materials that can be shared through social media and other channels.

Beginning Aug. 24, stakeholders who sign up for the initiative will receive a weekly email that includes:

• predrafted social media posts and hashtags;
• free educational downloads such as visual aids, training guides, FAQs, and infographics;
• pointers on maximizing the educational value of resources;
• tips for media interviews; and
• ways to encourage visits to GoChipCard.com.

"The Chip In education initiative is another tool we can use to support the transition to chip technology in the U.S.," Visa Inc. Vice President of Risk Products Stephanie Ericksen said in the press release. "All of those in the payments ecosystem have demonstrated a shared commitment to easing the transition to chip technology, and, through continued collaboration on initiatives like Chip In, we can help educate consumers and small businesses as to how chip technology can help reduce fraud and increase payment security."

Join the Chip In education initiative.