What does the Card Verification Value (CVV) number help prevent?

The Card Verification Value (CVV) is a crucial security feature found on credit and debit cards, designed to provide an extra layer of protection against fraudulent transactions. When making a payment, particularly in online or card-not-present environments, the CVV helps verify that the person making the transaction has physical possession of the card. This is because the CVV is not stored in the magnetic stripe or chip, making it difficult for someone who steals card information to use it without having the card in hand.

By requiring the entry of the CVV during transactions, it significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized individuals using stolen card information for purchases, thereby preventing fraudulent charges on a card. This security measure is a critical component in reducing the risk of credit card fraud and enhancing overall transaction security for both consumers and merchants.

The other options, while they highlight valid concerns in the realm of finances and banking, do not directly relate to the primary purpose of the CVV. Unauthorized account access pertains to different security measures aimed at protecting access to banking or online accounts, while delayed transactions and credit score issues deal with operational or credit reporting aspects, rather than directly addressing the safety of card transactions.