Credit card fraud can occur both in face-to-face transactions and in card-not-present transactions. Card fraud typically occurs more in transactions where the card is not present ad details can easily be kept for further use. This results in more chargebacks. In some instances, during face to face transactions, a merchant may be suspicious about a cardholder or a certain card being presented, in this case they may feel it’s necessary to make a ‘Code 10’ call.
What is a Code 10 Authorisation Request?
A Code 10 Authorisation request is used for merchants who need to verify a cards validity while simultaneously alerting the card issuer of any suspicious activity. A Code 10 call will include a series of questions with a specialist in order to identify whether the card may be stolen or if anything illegal is taking place. By using a series of yes or no questions over the phone, ensures that customers will not be aware that you are flagging their card as a suspicious transaction. After the series of questions are completed, the caller will be advised on what actions to take furthermore.
When Should I Make an authorisation Request?
Code 10 calls should be made once a merchant suspects any fraud or illegal activity. There are many indications merchant may have in order to make a code 10 call, such as a message on-screen displaying the message ‘lost or stolen card’ or ‘pick up card’, this will appear once the card is swiped. This is probably one of the most significant indications that there may be fraudulent activity as these messages typically come from the card issuers once a card has been reported stolen.
Another situation in which a merchant may make a code 10 call is when security features on the card such as holographic images or the embossed number, are missing or tampered with. Clerks should inspect the card before accepting any payments, and if the card has been tampered with or there are significant security measures missing, the clerk may feel the need to call a code 10 before accepting any payment. The clerk may be instructed to retrieve the card or decline the payment and request another form of payment.
How to Make a Code 10 Authorisation Request
While making a Code 10 Authorisation Request it is important for the merchant to remain clam, so they don’t alert the customer that they ay suspect anything. Making a call is easy you just follow these simple instructions:
1. Retain the card from the customer and inform the customer you need to make a phone call for additional information
2. Call the card issuers authorisation centre while having the necessary number available for the specialist.
3. Inform the call centre you need to make a Code 10 Authorisation Request
4. Answer the series of yes or no questions
5. Follow the operator’s instructions on how to furthermore go about the situation, only if its safe to do so.
How may Code 10 Calls Help Prevent Chargebacks?
In terms of being mindful of fraud, a Code 10 Authorisation Request may be a very useful thing for businesses to regularly do. By making a Code 10 Call, saves all the hassles of a merchant being frauded and the hassle for the customer whose card may have been stolen. Code 10 calls help prevent both the merchant and customer from fraud. Knowing how and when to make a Code 10 Authorisation Request can be necessary for preventing chargebacks and for conducting business in a reasonable and safe manner.