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Last updated: April 29, 2022

Here you'll find an explanation of the various fraud codes you might encounter when processing Visa- and Mastercard-branded cards.


Visa fraud codes

CodeReasonDescription
0Card reported lostA fraudulent payment that occurs with the use of a lost card, without the actual, implied, or apparent authority of the cardholder
1StolenA fraudulent payment that occurs with the use of a stolen card, without the actual, implied, or apparent authority of the cardholder
2Not received as issued (NRI)The interception and use of a card before receipt by a cardholder or by a person without the actual, implied, or apparent authority of the cardholder
3Fraudulent applicationA fraudulent payment that occurs with the use of a card that was obtained with an application using a false name or other false identification information
4Issuer counterfeitThe use of an altered or illegally-reproduced card
5MiscellaneousAny type of fraud which is not listed under the codes 0 - 4 or 6 and 9 below.
6Fraudulent use of account numberA fraudulent payment that occurs with the use of card information including pseudo-account information without the physical card or other device being involved, via the phone, mail, Internet, or other electronic means without the actual, implied, or apparent authority of the cardholder
9Acquirer counterfeitA fraud arising out of collusion between a merchant and the acquirer bank, without the actual, implied or apparent authority of the cardholder
AIncorrect processingIssuer confirms a payment is fraudulent on a Visa account as a result of incorrect processing; such as fraud on a VbV payment that was incorrectly identified as a secure e-commerce payment as a result of incorrect CAVV
BAccount or credentials takeoverIssuer confirms a payment is fraudulent on a Visa account as a result of fraudulent payments resulted from a fraudster taking over an account or its credentials

Mastercard fraud codes

CodeReason
0Card reported lost
1Stolen
2Never received issue
3Fraudulent application
4Counterfeit card fraud
5Account takeover fraud
6Card not present fraud
7Multiple imprint fraud
51Acquirer fraud