Card-not-present fraud: using crime scripts to inform crime prevention initiatives

Abstract

Growth in the online retail sector and improvements in card-present authorisation measures have led to substantial increases in card-not-present (CNP) fraud, particularly in the online retail sector. This article uses crime script analysis to understand the commission process of CNP fraud in online retail settings. Drawing upon previous crime script articles and industry reports we outline the steps involved in the three stages of CNP fraud: preparation; doing it; and getting away. From this script, points of disruption are identified and we discuss prevention measures that stakeholders such as businesses and financial institutions could implement to reduce bad actors opportunities for CNP fraud.