| The age of credit cards had added | | | | actual card, the person using the card |
| convenience for society, but also some | | | | must have the card in their hand when |
| very real risks of fraud and misuse. | | | | charging a purchase. |
| While shopping on the Internet, for | | | | Many online retailers have included a |
| example, there isn't anyone to match up | | | | separate box for customers to fill out |
| the credit card with a driver's license | | | | with the CVV in order to be sure that |
| or a face, and anonymity can mean that | | | | the transaction is valid. When used |
| anyone is using that credit card number. | | | | along with the credit card number, more |
| To fight back, credit card companies are | | | | fraud is thwarted because it's a double |
| using security measures to be sure that | | | | check system. |
| the person buying items is actually the | | | | While this doesn't help when the actual |
| same person that is signed up for the | | | | credit card is stolen, it does help to |
| card and the bills that come to their | | | | cut down on transactions that are made |
| house. | | | | by those that hack into computer systems |
| What is CVV? | | | | for credit card numbers. This |
| CVV stands for Credit Verification or | | | | information stealing used to mean that |
| Validation Value. All major credit card | | | | thieves could charge hundreds of dollars |
| companies started using CVV in order to | | | | of merchandise without a problem, but |
| validate the identity of the user when | | | | now, they need even more information |
| the physical presence of the card or | | | | than they might be able to get. |
| cardholder is not necessary. | | | | Where else is the CVV used? |
| Visa and MasterCard include a three | | | | And while the Internet has gotten the |
| digit CVV on the backs of their cards in | | | | most attention for the CVV, purchases |
| the signature panel and Discover does | | | | over the phone or by mail order can also |
| the same thing. American Express | | | | be made more secure with this extra |
| includes a four digit CVV on the fronts | | | | information. |
| of their cards in varying locations. | | | | If you have trouble locating your CVV, |
| But how does this help with fraud? | | | | you can contact your customer service |
| The thing with the CVV is that it allows | | | | center with the number listed on the |
| the retailer to see that the customer is | | | | back of the card, but generally it's |
| actually in the presence of the card. | | | | easy to see where there are extra digits |
| Since the CVV is only listed on the | | | | on the card. |