Online Fraud Protection

• Not contained in the magnetic stripe, the code number is printed on the back as opposed to being stamped in the plastic like the actual card number on the front. Therefore, it is not printed on receipts. The credit card company adds this feature as online fraud protection, according to the website Liberty Natural.
  
  

Fraudulent Use

• The three digits printed on the back of the card after the actual card number is consistent with both Visa and Mastercard, according to Majon. Because this is printed on the back of the card and not embossed on the front, a fraudulent user of the card may not be able to provide this number for verification purposes, according to Visa's website.
  
  

Online Purchases

• The three-digit identification code, also known as the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) by Visa, was established to specifically protect against online fraud wherein the card is not available by a merchant to verify the card holder's identity, according to Visa's website. Online purchases require the card identification number for every credit card purchase.
  
  

Electronic Security

• Sent electronically, the CVV2 provides the card-issuing bank with authorization and verification of the proper owner of the Visa card. Also, merchants are prohibited from storing the CVV2, providing additional security protection.
  
  

Placement and Digit Content

• The card identification number, generally referred to as the verification code by Discover, varies in quantity of digits and placement on the card, according to the website United Pentecostal Church International's website. Visa entitled it the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2), Mastercard calls it the Card Validation Code (CVC), and is a three-digit number on both cards printed in the signature box. American Express refers to it as the Card Identifier (CID) a four-digit number printed to the left side of the credit card number on the front of the card.
  
  

Theft of Card Number

• If a card holder does not have a card identification number imprinted on the card, they are encouraged to obtain such number from the credit card company for their protection, according to United Pentecostal Church International's website. If another person should obtain access to the actual card holder's number they would also need to know the card identification number in order to make any purchases with the actual credit card not being in their possession.