You suspect a Visa card is altered. Perhaps a customer is acting suspiciously. When something about a Visa transaction seems off, a "Code 10" authorization call can help prevent fraud without alarming the customer.
Making a "Code 10" Call
Call your Visa Authorization Centre and identify it as a "Code 10" authorization.
This alerts the centre – and not the customer – that you suspect something may be wrong.
You'll be asked a series of "Yes" or "No" questions to verify the card’s authenticity.
You will either be given an authorization number to complete the transaction or be asked to retain the Visa card.
You should be suspicious if:
The Visa card appears to have been altered or tampered with. Examples: peeling holograms, melted or worn numbers.
The card's embossed account number and the number displayed on your electronic terminal do not match.
The small four-digit number printed above or below the account number does not match the first four numbers of the raised account number.
The signature on the sales slip clearly does not match the signature on the card.
Anything about a customer's behaviour feels wrong. Example: arriving at closing time and trying to rush the transaction.