March 29, 2024

Gifts by Credit Card Now Require Security Code

UMW Advancement has received notification from our third-party credit-card processing company that our online giving site now requires donors to enter their three- or four-digit security codes for all credit card gifts. These industry-wide enhancements regarding Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards help ensure that information is accepted and processed in a secure environment.

UMW was notified that this change is effective immediately for all online gifts. The revised giving site now includes specific instructions and diagrams to show donors that the three-digit security code is found on the back of all credit cards, EXCEPT for American Express. For American Express, the four-digit security code is found on the front of the credit card. (https://www.bookseminars.com/cc_SecurityCode.php)

Effective Jan. 31, 2017, all UMW printed gift cards will need to have a space for donors to write out the security code if they are making gifts by credit card. Advancement will NOT be able to process credit card gifts without this information. When possible, an attempt will be made to contact donors by phone, but that is not always successful. Considering that the number of credit card gifts is rising every day, this is not practical or feasible on a large-scale basis.

Advancement is currently in the process of redesigning and reprinting all gift cards and gift envelopes that are distributed directly by our office. However, there are numerous organizations and offices across campus that also print and distribute gift cards/envelopes.

We are asking you to please look at all gift cards/envelopes that you currently have in stock or plan to distribute in the near future. If you expect any gifts to be sent in on these cards after Jan. 31, 2017, these cards/envelopes will need to be redesigned and reprinted now.

To ensure compliance with data security standards and good gift processing practices, please send all revised gift cards/envelopes to Donna Raab at draab@umw.edu or call 540-654-2059 for review before printing. This review process is essential now, and going forward, to maintain PCI compliance and to promote consistency for all our donors.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please let us know if you have questions.

Ken Steen

Associate Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations