Social Question

LuckyGuy's avatar

To prevent or reduce credit card fraud should we cover the CVV number on the back?

Asked by LuckyGuy (36876points) 3 weeks ago

CVV (Card Verification Value) is the 3 or 4 digit number on the back of the card next to your signature.
Should we all cover that number with black electrical tape and peel it of when we need it to order something online? (Or just memorize the 3 digits. It’s easy!)

Is there a downside to doing this?
Why isn’t this suggested to prevent/reduce credit card fraud?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

12 Answers

ragingloli's avatar

I find it baffling that credit cards still use this ineffective pseudo security system, when the pin-tan method is already standard in online banking.

Dutchess_III's avatar

I don’t understand the question.

LuckyGuy's avatar

@ragingloli Incredible isn’t it? At least now almost all cards are upgraded with “the chips”.
Here is an interesting but old paper on PIN/TAN system vulnerabilities.

Do your cards still have a CVV on the back or is that strictly the purview of us troglodytes?

Dutchess_III's avatar

My card has a CVV on the back and I am occasionally asked for it. When asked, I give it out. I don’t know what covering it with electrical tape would accomplish especially if I’m making an online purchase. It’s not like anyone can see my card, and if the CVV is requested I just type it right in.
I don’t understand the logic of the question.

chyna's avatar

@dutchess Just for one example, I was at a restaurant and checking out at the register. I gave the guy my debit card. He held it in the palm of his hand instead of holding it with his fingers. I started watching him and he had his phone right there with the camera on. I yanked it out of his hand. If he had a picture of the card number along with the CVV, he really could have done damage to my account.

Dutchess_III's avatar

Well, my bank would take care of charges like that. I guess it’s one of those things I’m just not going to worry about.

elbanditoroso's avatar

On just about every online purchase I make, the CVV is required. I think that covering it with tape would be more of pain in the ass than it would be a safety factor.

LuckyGuy's avatar

@chyna I hope you reported that! I’d tell everyone I know!
And tell the credit card company!

LuckyGuy's avatar

I’m talking about the kind of fraud that @chyna pointed out. You give your card to someone and they get the number on the front and back and can then make online purchases. The sticker would prevent that – or make it more difficult.

@elbanditoroso Online I need to enter the CVV number. 3 digits are not hard to remember. I don’t need to peel it off.

jca2's avatar

I have my credit card number (and the 3 digit code) written in a little book along with passwords. I use that for online purchases.

I like the idea of covering it with something.

@chyna I hope you reported that guy to the manager.

@Dutchess_III: Even though fraud is covered by the credit card company, it’s still a hassle to deal with and easier if it’s prevented in the first place. Plus why should some thief possibly get away with hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of free stuff if we can stop it from happening?

LuckyGuy's avatar

@jca2 I like the idea of putting the numbers in the password book.

Actually, now that we have chip enabled cards why do we even need the account number embossed on the front? I’m thinking it would be a good idea to have all or part of it covered as well.
I’m going to do it and see if it gets noticed.

elbanditoroso's avatar

@LuckyGuy I just got a new replacement card from Bank of America yesterday – the numbers are not embossed on the front – just my name. THey are lasered/engraved on the back.

Answer this question




to answer.
Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther