Fraud codes serve to categorize and report unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Visa and Mastercard use them to define fraud types based on the nature of the transaction. They help financial institutions and merchants identify fraud patterns, assess risk, and implement preventive measures against credit card fraud. These reason codes are used for fraud notifications and cannot be disputed.

Visa fraud codes

List of Visa fraud reason codes

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0 - Card reported lost

Unauthorized transaction with a card reported lost by the cardholder.

1 - Card reported stolen

Unauthorized transaction with a card reported stolen by the cardholder.

2 - Not received as issued (NRI)

Unauthorized transaction with a card was intercepted before the cardholder received it.

3 - Fraudulent application

Fraudulent payment with the use of a card that was obtained with an application using a false name or other false identification information.

4 - Issuer counterfeit

Fraudulent payment with the use of an altered or illegally reproduced card.

5 - Miscellaneous

Any fraud reason not listed under other fraud reason codes.

6 - Fraudulent use of account number

Fraudulent payment with the use of card information including pseudo-account information without the physical card or other device being involved, via the phone, mail, or other electronic means without the actual, implied, or apparent cardholder authority.

9 - Acquirer reported counterfeit

Unauthorized transaction related to collusion between a merchant and the acquirer, without the actual, implied, or apparent cardholder authority.

A - Incorrect processing

Fraudulent transaction was made possible due to incorrect processing. This type identifies situations in which the lack of security element validation is the factor allowing fraud to occur. For example, a fraudulent EMV transaction resulting from a lack of cryptogram validation.

B - Account or credentials takeover

Fraudulent transaction by the person who took over an existing account of a legitimate client or credentials through unauthorized means. For example, fraudulent use of the cardholder’s digital wallet via stolen user credentials like mobile passcode or wallet login information.

C - Merchant misrepresentation

Fraud results from a merchant deliberately misleading the account holder, for example, goods or services are not as promised or of substandard quality, charging more than anticipated or for a longer term.

D - Manipulation of account holder

Fraud results from a merchant manipulating an account holder into completing what they believe to be a legitimate transaction. For example, sending funds to a fraudulent beneficiary whereby the sender believes they are helping an individual in distress or a struggling business.

Mastercard fraud codes

List of Mastercard fraud reason codes

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0 - Card reported lost

Unauthorized transaction with a card reported lost by the cardholder.

1 - Card reported stolen

Unauthorized transaction with a card reported stolen by the cardholder.

2 - Never received issue

Unauthorized transaction with a card was intercepted before the cardholder received it.

3 - Fraudulent application

Fraudulent payment with the use of a card that was obtained with an application using a false name or other false identification information.

4 - Counterfeit card fraud

Fraudulent payment with the use of an altered or illegally reproduced card.

5 - Account takeover fraud

Fraudulent transaction by the person who took over an existing account of a legitimate client or credentials through unauthorized means. For example, fraudulent use of the cardholder’s digital wallet via stolen user credentials like mobile passcode or wallet login information.

6 - Card not present fraud

Fraudulent transaction through unauthorized use of account information without the physical card being involved, for example, an e-commerce transaction.

7 - Multiple imprint fraud

Unauthorized additional transactions made by the merchant following a legitimate POS transaction.

51 - Acquirer fraud

A collusive cardholder engaging in transactions with a collusive merchant as defined in the Cardholder-Merchant Collusion Program.

55 - Modification of payment order (EEA only)

Unauthorized transactions as a result of loss, theft, or misuse of payment data or payment card.

56 - Manipulation of cardholder (EEA only)

Transaction as a result of the payer being manipulated by a fraudster.

View fraud reason codes

You can view the fraud reason codes and their brief descriptions in Solidgate HUB .