When you sell products online or over the phone, you face a unique challenge: you can’t physically see the customer or their card. This makes “Card Not Present” transactions a favorite target for scammers using stolen card numbers.
The good news? You don’t need a massive security budget to protect yourself. Two simple tools: AVS and CVV are your first and best line of defense.
1. AVS
AVS (Address Verification Service) checks if the billing address and ZIP code the customer types in matches the address their card issuer has on file.
- Why it’s important: Most identity thieves have a card number, but they often don’t know the victim’s exact billing address.
- How it protects you: If the addresses don’t match, you can set your system to automatically decline the sale or flag it for you to double-check.
2. CVV
The CVV (Card Verification Value) is the 3 or 4-digit security code printed on the card.
- Why it’s important: This code is never stored in databases or after a transaction is finished.
- How it protects you: If a hacker steals a list of card numbers from a giant database, they usually don’t get the CVV. By requiring this code, you prove the customer is holding the physical card in their hand.
Why These Tools Are Essential
Using these tools isn’t just about safety, it’s about your bottom line.
- Reduce Chargebacks: When you accept a fraudulent payment, you often lose both the product and the money when the real owner disputes the charge. AVS and CVV can help you stop these fake sales before they happen.
- Keep Your Reputation Clean: Card issuers trust merchants who use these security layers. This can lead to better approval rates and lower processing risks.
- Peace of Mind: You can focus on growing your business knowing that your “digital front
- door” is locked against basic scams.
Summary
Protecting your business doesn’t have to be complicated. By simply verifying the billing address (AVS) and ensuring they have the card in hand (CVV), you can outsmart most fraudsters and keep your hard-earned money safe.
For questions
Protect your revenue with these industry-best practices and fraud prevention tools. We understand that every business is different; if you have questions about additional filters, contact our support team at (866) 701-4700 or [email protected].