The CCV (Credit Card Verification) code is used to help
prevent online credit card fraud. This fraud protection system
has been created so that if someone does have possession of
your credit card number they also need to have physical
possession of your card in order to know what your CCV is.
Your CCV is found in different places depending on what type
of credit card that you have. For most cards, for example,
Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card, the CCV is a three-digit
or four-digit number on the back of your card. The full credit
card number is reprinted in the signature box and at the end
of the number is the CCV.
For some cards, like American Express, the CCV is a four-digit
'non-embossed' number on the front of the card above the
credit card number on either the right or left side of your
card.