A card security code (CSC), (also called card verification data, card verification number, card verification value (CVV), card verification value code, card verification code (CVC), verification code (V-code or V code), card code verification, or signature panel code (SPC)) is a term for a security feature for "card not present" payment card transactions instituted to reduce the incidence of credit card fraud.
The CSC is in addition to the bank card number which is embossed or printed on the card. The CSC is used as a security feature, in situations where a PIN cannot be used. The PIN is not printed...