Genuinely, if you have ever made an online or phone transaction, you are familiar with the three sets of credit card numbers you must provide. These include the credit card number, expiration date, and CVV number. Moreover, if you are an experienced online shopper, you will know where to look for the CVV number. However, have you ever wondered what exactly the credit card’s CVV number is? This article can answer your question.
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What Exactly Is the CVV Number on a Credit Card?
Generally, the CVV number on a credit card works as an additional layer of protection against fraud. Importantly, the CVV stands for card verification value. Additionally, it is also known as the CSC number and card security code. With the advent of virtual transactions, these numbers are one of the most significant anti-fraud safeguards for a credit or debit card. When you make an online or phone purchase, providing the CVV number guarantees the merchant that the transaction is authentic and authorized.
Besides, when you use your card in person, shops can verify your identity by scanning your ID. However, when you make an online purchase, retailers are unable to do the same. Instead, the CVV number acts as a stand-in for personal identity. Furthermore, in the case that verification is required, your card carrier can verify your card’s unique CVV number.
Nevertheless, when completing a purchase, not all retailers ask you to input your CVV number. However, this does not render a trader illegal. In any event, you should always make sure you are giving your credit card information to a reputable seller.
The Purpose of a CVV Number
As chip-enabled card technology has significantly reduced physical card fraud, thieves’ attention has switched to the digital arena. Thus, this makes false cards have led to online identity theft. However, enter the CVV number, a security feature used by banks and credit card companies, can reduce fraudulent digital transactions.
Besides, the majority of debit and credit cards have two CVV numbers. The first is encoded in the magnetic strip used for in-person transactions, while the second appears on the card. Therefore, when making an online purchase, you must enter this one.
While competent hackers can acquire access to credit card numbers and expiration dates relatively easily, CVV numbers are significantly more difficult to locate. This is mainly because of industry regulations. Merchants may retain your credit card number and expiration date, but not your CVV number, according to PCI (Payment Card Industry) rules. While you may dislike having to input the number for each online purchase, doing this is what adds that extra degree of protection.
Where Can You Find Your Credit Card’s CVV Number?
Normally, card carriers display CVV numbers in various locations on the cards. Therefore, it is critical to know where your CVV number is located on your card. If you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card, the three-digit CVV is located on the back of the card, to the right of the signature strip. The number could either be next to your whole credit card number or simply the final four digits.
Nevertheless, if you have an American Express card, the CVV number is located on the front, right side of the card. Importantly, you should keep in mind that American Express refers to this number as a card identification number (CID). American Express CIDs are also four digits rather than three.
Limitations of a CVV Number
Frequently, CVV number problems are self-inflicted by the cardholder. Since it is difficult for fraudsters to access your CVV number via a credit card database, they resort to other unlawful techniques. This includes hacking and physical card theft.
These frauds appear in the form of an email or a pop-up window on your computer, encouraging you to make an online purchase. Some frauds are obvious because of misspellings or other visible mistakes. However, because online retailers frequently want your CVV number, hackers can incorporate that requirement on their bogus page as well. The hackers have easy access to your account if you provide your credit card details, including the CVV number.
Obviously, there is always the risk of your credit card being physically taken. The thieves do not need to hack anything in this situation because all of your information is stored on the card. You should deactivate your card as quickly as possible, get a new card from your issuer, and dispute any fraudulent charges made to the account.
Tips for Keeping Your Credit Card Information Safe
1. Do not interact with any untrustworthy web source.
Never respond to any emails, advertisements, or websites that you do not immediately recognize as real. This includes not clicking on questionable URLs and not inputting your credit card’s account number, expiration date, or CVV number.
2. Make sure the website has a security tag.
Look for a security tag to the left of the web address of any site where you are making an online purchase. Only secure sites use these tags, so you can be confident that your credit card information is secure in these transactions.
3. Review credit card features before choosing.
It is critical to do your homework and choose the best credit card for you. When reviewing a card’s features, you should pay close attention to its security features. Thus, please make sure you are happy with its limitations.
Conclusion
To conclude, even when purchases are not completely risk-free, internet transactions put you and your information at greater risk. To overcome this, credit card companies developed CVV numbers and related rules to protect your personal credit information. However, you may also protect yourself by only entering your credit card information on trustworthy websites.
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Source: Smartassets