Fraud Prevention: Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode

Verified by Visa (VbV) and MasterCard SecureCode (MSC), which use 3D Secure technology, are the latest fraud prevention initiatives launched by the card schemes as a more secure method for authenticating the cardholder at the time of the transaction.

MasterCard have issued a rule which states that all International Maestro cards MUST have a full 3D Secure Authentication in order for the transaction to be authorised. They have also issued a rule which states that for domestic Maestro cards, you must attempt to authenticate the transaction under the scheme. This means that if you are not 3D Secure enabled you cannot accept Maestro cards through your website, and the Maestro card type will not appear on your payment screens.

To set up 3D Secure on your Protx account please email support@protx.com

Benefits of 3D Secure

• Reduce the number of chargebacks you receive: The major benefit to you is that a transaction fully signed as 3D Secure validated cannot be charged-back to you if the customer later denies the transaction. You are protected by the card issuer against such chargebacks because the banks themselves assume the liability.



• Benefit from a lower fraud rate: 3D Secure transactions have a considerably lower fraud rate than non-secured transactions because the customer is required to authenticate themselves with their issuing bank as part of the transaction. This additional security makes it much more difficult for fraudsters to use stolen card numbers.



• Free of charge: Protx provide 3D Secure at no additional cost to you.



• Flexibility: You have the option of setting up a rule base on your Protx account to automatically accept or reject transactions depending on the 3D Secure results.

Click here for further information on 3D Secure rule bases.


Limitations of Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode

• Chargebacks can still occur: A 3D secure validated transaction will not protect you in circumstances such as in the event where the customer denies receipt of goods.



• Not all cards are part of the scheme: As yet there are no similar initiatives for American Express or Diner's Club. Due to the limitations listed above, it is not a good idea to rely on these schemes solely, but rather to use the results as part of your overall fraud screening process.

Please see our support website for further information on 3D Secure and how to apply a rule base to your account.