The cardboard verification worth (CVV2), additionally typically known as a card safety code (CSC), is a three- or four-digit safety code positioned on the again of most credit score and debit playing cards. It’s usually printed, not embossed, and normally discovered close to the signature strip. For American Categorical playing cards, the code is a four-digit quantity positioned on the entrance of the cardboard, usually above the embossed account quantity. This code serves as an added layer of safety for transactions the place the bodily card is just not current, resembling on-line or cellphone purchases.
The aim of this code is to confirm that the person making the acquisition has bodily possession of the cardboard, thereby lowering the chance of fraud. Retailers are sometimes suggested to not retailer this code, which means {that a} potential knowledge breach of a product owner’s database won’t expose this important piece of safety info. Its use helps to guard each the cardholder and the service provider by reducing the chance of unauthorized transactions. The implementation of this code was a response to the growing prevalence of card-not-present fraud within the early days of e-commerce.
