Identification

• The verification code on your debit card is also called the security code, or CVV: credit verification value. The code is printed on the debit card and is unique to each individual card.
  
  When you purchase items or services on the Internet or over the telephone, credit card processors often request the verification code along with the debit card number and expiration date when processing a charge to your debit card account. The verification code is used to ensure that the customer actually has the card in her hand; something that someone who stole basic credit information would likely not have since they wouldn't have the actual card available.
  
  This precaution helps to secure the sale and protect the customer from potential fraud.
  
  

Location

• The verification code is found on the back of your debit card to the right of the signature panel. It is a three- or four-digit number that is printed, not raised like the account number on the front of the card.
  
  The last four digits of the debit card account number may also be printed to the right of the signature panel on the card. The three-digit verification code will be printed separately to the right of this.
  
  

How It Works

• The verification code is not contained along with the information in the magnetic strip on the back of the card, unlike the 16-digit debit card account number and the card's expiration date. The verification code does not print on receipts or statements, either. The only place that the verification code is made known is on the back of the card.
  
  This means that if a customer should fall victim to a scam where someone steals their debit card information from a deliberately placed malicious card reader, they will remain protected because the person who stole the information will be unable to use their debit card to make purchases because he or she will not have access to the verification code on the back of the card, which is required to make purchases where the card is not present.
  
  

Considerations

• If an actual debit card itself becomes stolen, the verification code will not protect the account holder as the code, along with the rest of the card's information, will become compromised. If the debit card is stolen, the thief could use the card to make purchases at retail stores or other places of business. It is important to immediately contact the financial institution that issued the debit card and report it as being stolen so that the card can be permanently disabled for use.
  
  In addition, if a person were to obtain a debit card and write down the information on the card, including the verification code, it could be used to make fraudulent purchases online or over the phone. Because of this, it is very important to treat your debit card as you would cash--keep it safe and secure. Never leave it unattended in public.