CVC Security Codes

Jasper Blue

Hello,

In regard to the processing of payment with only the card number and expiry, it's obviously not been necessary to obtain the CVC 3 digit security code thusfar. I have read and heard from lots of people why we do not require or are allowed to have this number, but not necessarily an explanation of how the transaction is processed without it.

I have been asked on some occasion by the public why this number is not needed when they desire to make a donation, and all I know to tell them at this stage, is that we don't need it.
I know why we are not allowed to have it, but I was curious if anyone had an explanation suitable for the layman. If someone called you and asked, “Why don't you need my security code? When I buy things online they always need it.”

What would you tell them?
If anyone has an explanation you could tell someone off the street, I would greatly appreciate it.

For reference to local regulations if applicable, I am in New Zealand processing donations here.

Rachel Cavalier

@Jasper Blue
I don't think this is really helpful for you but at our organisation (in the UK) everything that we use requires the CVC/CVV number to process card payments because of the security and anti-fraud measures that are in place. There might(???) be an option to turn down the security level somewhere possibly, but we've had past experience with chancers using our website to test stolen card details so we've not even considered that.

I suppose the answer is therefore “the security requirements of our card processor are low enough that this is not required”?

I know you said that members of the public say to you that they have to enter it elsewhere, but could this be a New Zealand-specific thing? Do you experience this personally when buying from NZ-based businesses?