Code 10 Call

Code 10 is a call made by a sales associate to the merchant's voice authorization center when he or she is suspicious about the validity of the card or of the legitimacy of the cardholder. The term "Code 10" is used so calls can be made without arousing suspicion while the cardholder is present. The sales associate will be routed to the card issuer's call center, where he or she will be asked to answer, with a "yes" or "no", a series of questions to determine the legitimacy of the transaction. Upon reaching a conclusion, the sales associate will be given instructions on how to proceed.