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| Where can I find the Security Code? |
|
 Visa/Mastercard
and Discover Users
Flip your card over and look at the signature
box. You should see either the entire 16-digit credit card number or
just the last four digits followed by a special 3-digit code. This
3-digit code is your Card Security Code.
 American Express Credit Card
Users
Look for the 4-digit code printed on the front of your card
just above and to the right of your main credit card number. This 4-digit
code is your Card Security Code.
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| What is the Security Code? |
| It is an important new
Internet security feature that now appears on the back of most
Visa/MasterCard and Discover cards, and on the front of American
Express cards. This new code is a three or four-digit number which
provides a cryptographic check of the information embossed on the card.
The security code
helps validate that the customer placing the online order actually has the
credit card in his/her possession, and that the credit/debit card account
is legitimate.
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| How does my Security Code protect me? |
|
The security code is only printed the
card and it is not contained in the magnetic stripe information nor does
it appear on sales receipts or billing statements - you must have the card
in your possession in order to use this code.
Card Security Codes are not raised,
so they are not scanned into standard credit card readers. In theory,
these numbers are only visible to you. When you give your Card Security
Code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the order is
being placed by you, the card holder.
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| Do I have to enter this Security Code? |
If this code is
printed on your card, YES, you must enter the code. Visa, MasterCard,
Discover and American Express now require Internet stores to obtain the
security code for all cards that have a code printed on them. In order for
this transaction to be accepted and processed, you must enter this code if
it's printed on your card. This is done for your protection.
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