AVS mismatch refers to a common error that occurs during the payment process when the address provided by the customer does not match the address associated with their credit or debit card.
When dealing with online businesses, merchants are often faced with Card Not Present or CNP transactions. A CNP transaction takes place when a sale happens without the customer physically presenting their card to the merchant.
With CNP transactions on the rise, it is more and more common to receive an “AVS mismatch error”. Merchants however have the option to override the payment system and accept the transaction. However, if the CNP transaction is fraudulent, the merchant is stuck with the liability.
A recent study analyzed millions of transactions related to online purchases. The findings of the report were eye-opening, as they discovered that the overall percentage of global transactions identified as potentially fraudulent were in the range between 10 and 13 percent.
What is AVS Mismatch
AVS stands for Address Verification System or (AVS) and it originated as a credit card fraud prevention mechanism. As a scam avoidance measure used for card-not-present transactions like e-Commerce and phone orders, AVS requires the cardholder to give the full billing address for the card, which also includes the address and the zip code. The Card Verification Value or (CVV) is also used to prove that the purchaser actually has the card in their possession.
AVS Mismatch occurs when the system detects that the address entered during the online purchase process does not correspond to the address information that the credit card company or bank has saved on file. This verification mismatch can result in delayed or declined transactions, causing frustration for both customers and merchants.
Tackling AVS Mismatch is a challenging endeavor. Online purchases imply that merchants have to balance preventing fraud on one side while increasing approvals for legitimate transactions on the other.
AVS Mismatch Error
AVS Mismatch Error is basically the message that a merchant receives when there is an AVS Mismatch. This is, when a customer enters a billing address at checkout that does not match with the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company, an “AVS Mismatch Error” is received.
Merchants can automatically set up AVS mismatch filters to flag suspicious transactions well before they happen. AVS serves as a fraud prevention measure to help authenticate CNP transactions both online and on the phone.
With this system, the buyer has to provide personal information such as their address, zip code, and CVV code. This allows a cross-check system to verify if the cardholder actually has the card in their possession or if they are the real owner of that card. If any of these details do not match, this sends a signal to the issuer of the card that it has been stolen.However, things are not always straightforward. Just because a merchant receives an AVS mismatch alert, doesn’t necessarily mean that the transaction is fraudulent. With every order placed online, the payment processor issues a request for an AVS approval to determine whether or not there is an address match. If it is authorized, then the issuer will approve the processor to authorize that transaction.
How to Bypass an AVS Mismatch
When it comes to deciding which action to take, merchants must consider how well they can manage risk and how willing they are to trust their own customers. Whenever a merchant receives an AVS mismatch, they can choose one of the following actions:
- Process the transaction again
- Override the payment system
- Approve the transaction, or simply cancel the transaction
If the risk is higher and the merchant approves this transaction, they must be prepared to pay a higher transaction rate. Having to rerun the transaction also adds more risk since it can produce a pending charge. This can ultimately produce friction with a potential customer.
If there are any doubts related to a transaction, it is best to personally reach out to the customer to verify details and determine whether their information was entered incorrectly. It could simply mean that they have not updated their address on file.
By personally reaching out to your customer, you are demonstrating to them that you care about protecting from fraud both them and your business.
What Does AVS Mismatch Mean to Merchant Account Providers
For a merchant account provider, an AVS mismatch can have significant implications. Firstly, it may indicate potential fraudulent activity or unauthorized card usage, leading to financial losses for both the merchant and the provider if undetected.
To combat this issue, diligent high-risk merchant account providers like EMB offer various services and solutions to minimize the risk of AVS mismatches. Generally, merchant account providers offer merchants the option to use an AVS system as they are responsible for verifying the addresses of merchant’s customers. These measures provide robust fraud detection that analyze transaction data in real-time and flag suspicious activities or mismatches for further investigation.
Additionally, some providers may offer enhanced authentication methods such as 3D Secure technology that provide an extra layer of security by requiring customers to enter an additional password or code during the payment process.
By investing in these measures and addressing AVS mismatches promptly, merchant account providers ensure a secure environment for their merchants while safeguarding their own reputation and financial interests.
Tackling AVS Mismatch
Merchants can effectively tackle Address Verification System (AVS) mismatches by implementing several key strategies. These are the steps that merchants can take to prevent AVS mismatch from happening and maximizing the benefits of having an AVS system.
- Verify your customer’s address using multiple sources – when possible, verify your customer’s address using multiple sources. This includes government records, public records, consumer reports, and contact information from their credit report or bank statement.Ensure that all of your sources have the same information. If you find any discrepancies, contact your customer to ensure that the address you have on file is correct.
- Use a quality address verification service – if you choose to use an AVS system, make sure you use a quality service. There are a number of companies that offer affordable and reliable services. Look for services that have extensive feedback and reviews from both merchants and customers.
- Contact your customer if their address changes – if your customer’s address changes, do not hesitate to contact them directly. Mismatches can cause major problems for both you and your customer. Let them know that you’re doing everything possible to process their order and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
- Set up shipping procedures – make sure you set up proper shipping procedures when using AVS systems. Merchants may experience delays in processing orders because of inaccurate addresses. Try to set up shipping procedures such as automatic ship tracking so that you are able to monitor the status of each order as it moves through the shipping process.
- Provide clear descriptions of the checkout process – be sure to provide clear descriptions of the checkout process when using AVS systems. Ensure that all potential customers know how the system works and what they need to do in order to complete an online transaction with you.
- Respond quickly to support requests – be proactive when dealing with support requests related to addresses or AVS systems. If there are any problems with an account withdrawal or order processing, respond quickly and resolve the issue as soon as possible. Avoid leaving frustrated or angry customers seeking assistance on social media or other internet forums.
- Make sure your website is configured correctly – make sure your website is configured correctly when using an AVS system. Webmasters need to make sure their websites use updated security measures, browsers allow pop-ups from third-party domains, and anti-virus software is up-to-date in order to avoid merchant account providers denying funds associated with a ‘verification’ request made by fraudsters or others masquerading as genuine customers.
By employing these proactive measures, merchants can significantly enhance their ability to manage and resolve AVS Mismatch effectively while minimizing disruptions to the payment process and potential loss of revenue.
AVS Mismatch: An Ongoing Challenge
There is no question that merchants should incorporate AVS into their payment processing systems to automatically cross-check addresses for accuracy and avoid mismatches.
It is also imperative for businesses to communicate clearly with customers about the importance of accurate billing information, including the correct spelling and formatting of names and addresses on all forms of record keeping. With proper attention paid to AVS protocols, companies can reduce errors and build trust with their clients.
The original purpose of AVS was to prevent CNP fraud. AVS filters work best if they are activated. Unfortunately, they fail to ensure whether a transaction is valid or fraudulent. AVS filters can be used as one of many tools within a comprehensive set of solutions to fight fraudulent transactions.
By striving to comprehend the nature of an AVS mismatch, its implications, and how to resolve it, merchants can mitigate risks and continue to thrive in the online marketplace.
Bypassing AVS mismatch is not recommended, as it is a security measure designed to prevent fraudulent transactions. Instead, merchants should consider contacting the customer to verify their information and ensure that the billing address provided matches the one on file with the card-issuing bank. If the mismatch is due to a simple error or outdated address, the issue can be resolved by having the customer update their information with the bank.
An AVS (Address Verification System) mismatch occurs when the billing address entered by a customer during a card-not-present transaction does not match the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company. This can indicate potential fraud, as the purchaser may not have the card in their possession or be the actual card owner.
An AVS mismatch error is a notification that occurs when the billing address provided by a customer during an online or phone transaction does not match the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company. This error can be a signal of potential fraud, prompting merchants to take extra precautions before approving the transaction.
An AVS mismatch means that the billing address provided by a customer during a card-not-present transaction does not match the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company. This discrepancy can indicate potential fraud, prompting merchants to take extra precautions before approving the transaction.
An AVS error occurs when there is a discrepancy between the billing address provided by a customer during a card-not-present transaction and the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company. This can indicate potential fraud, prompting merchants to take extra precautions before approving the transaction.
In the context of the text, an AVS mismatch is a discrepancy between the billing address provided by the customer during a card-not-present transaction and the address on file with the card-issuing bank or credit card company. This mismatch can indicate potential fraud, and merchants must decide whether to process the transaction again, override the payment system, approve the transaction, or cancel the transaction. Personally reaching out to customers to verify details can help merchants protect both their customers and their business from fraud.
Still have questions?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please reach out and chat with our team.
Get in touch