Visa Fraud Protection

You have better things to think about than fraud.

There's a lot to consider when you shop for electronics: Plasma or LCD? How many megapixels? Whether it's a new tool or a new toy, it takes focus to find the right combination of features and technologies.

Do you also have to think about online fraud?

Not if you use your Visa card. Visa watches out for your card security, and takes steps to prevent, detect, and resolve unauthorized use of your card information¹:

I. Prevent-Fraud prevention tools that verify your identity.
II. Detect-Real time fraud detection through constant account monitoring.
III. Resolve-If fraud occurs, we make sure you are never held liable for unauthorized charges¹.

You can feel confident about your online purchases when you use your Visa card.

I. Prevent

Visa helps prove that your card is in the right hands.

The 3-digit security code shown on the back of your Visa card lets merchants know that you're physically holding the card when you make a purchase online or over the phone. This helps prevent fraud before it happens.

• When you shop online, merchants can't verify your identity in person. The 3-digit security code on your Visa card assures both merchants and consumers that the card is in the hands of an authorized user. If someone obtains your account number, he or she can't make a purchase without the security code.

• You can find the 3-digit code on the back of your Visa card, next to your signature. You may see other numerals there, but only the last three digits make up the security code, which is also sometimes referred to as the "CVV2 code."

• If a person attempts to use your card number but cannot provide a 3-digit security code, or if the number is returned as invalid, the merchant will cancel the transaction. For security purposes, merchants are prohibited from storing this number.

Your card information is secure, so you can shop with confidence. Read More

II. Detect

Visa monitors for fraud in real-time, 24/7.

Using sophisticated behavioral profile models, we continuously monitor our network for disruptions in typical spending patterns-so we can identify and respond to fraudulent activity immediately.

• Visa's fraud detection system stores thousands of examples of your purchase transactions and constantly updates your data so future purchases can be evaluated against the most current profile. It uses fraud trends and payment-card usage patterns to assess transaction risk each time an authorization request is processed on your account.

• Whenever our systems detect a change in your typical spending patterns and behaviors, such as entry of mismatched shipping and billing addresses, unusually large purchases, and changes in Social Security number or other personal data, we'll suspend activity on your card to keep your account secure and prevent further damage.

• We will call to alert you about suspicious activity as soon as possible to protect your account's safety and integrity and prevent loss and identity theft. If you ever notice a suspicious charge on your monthly statement, report it to your financial institution right away.

We'll monitor for suspicious activity, so you can shop worry free. Read More

III. Resolve

Shop anywhere worry-free.

Your peace of mind and protection are paramount to Visa. Visa's Zero Liability policy is our guarantee that you won't be held responsible for fraudulent charges made with your card or account information.

• Shop worry-free at millions of merchants. Visa protects your card information 24/7 and you won't be held liable for unauthorized purchases made with your card or account information.¹

• Take the time to look at your monthly Visa statement, and report suspicious charges to your financial institution. If fraudulent charges have occurred, swift action will be taken to regain control of your account and to resolve the situation.

• If your account is compromised, Visa is committed to setting things right without further inconvenience to you.¹ Visa's cardholder protection policy requires all financial institutions issuing Visa products to extend provisional credit for losses from unauthorized card use within 5 business days of notification of the loss.

You can shop with confidence at millions of merchants, worldwide. Read More

With every purchase, Visa prevents, detects, and resolves online fraud.
Go to visa.com/secure for details.

(1) Covers U.S.-issued cards only. Does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Individual provisional credit amounts are provided on a provisional basis and may be withheld, delayed, limited, or rescinded by your issuer based on factors such as gross negligence or fraud, delay in reporting unauthorized use, investigation and verification of claim and account standing and history. You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. Transaction at issue must be posted to your account before provisional credit may be issued. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer. Additional information is also available at http://visa.com/security.