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MTA Now Uses Address Verification for Credit Cards?
Hardly the most exciting story of the day, but as I was coming home from work today, I needed to refill my metrocard -- something I've done dozens of times. But this time the machine asked me to enter my billing zip code on the keypad.
As a merchant that accepts credit cards myself, I know all about AVS (the Address Verification System). You can send the system the billing zip code and the first part of the billing street address when processing the transaction, and use the results to help you determine if it's fraudulent.
Has the MTA had problems with people using stolen credit cards at Metrocard machines? Gas stations are notorious for being one of the places credit card theives see if a card is still active.
How will this affect the already-long lines at Metrocard machines during rush hour? Certainly I'm not the only one that was surprised by this.
It's also possible that this was some sort of fluke or test.
Posted in on March 31, 2005, 07:00 PM | Permalink
Comments
I bought a new card last Friday and had to put in my zip code also. I was a bit like "Mrrh, I don't remember doing this before..." but I don't mind it.
Posted by: roboppy ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.scottkidder.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at April 11, 2005 12:56 AM
The MTA started a test program using AVS effective March 25th. They are piloting it at 3 locations:
Fulton/Broadway
59th/Columbus
34th/Herald Square
To answer the question, YES, they do experience a high number of cases where stolen CCs are used. If all goes well, they plan on rolling it out to all locations.
Posted by: Chris Russo at April 11, 2005 02:13 PM
