Visa launches global fraud and dispute monitoring framework

By Vriti Gothi

Visa has launched its updated Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP), introducing a unified global framework for fraud and dispute monitoring designed to strengthen compliance and safeguard the payments ecosystem.

By consolidating fraud and dispute oversight for both acquirers and merchants, VAMP has been positioned as a pivotal development in the fight against payment fraud. Under the new framework, merchants whose disputed transactions have exceeded 2.2% – whether fraudulent or not have been subjected to penalties of $8 per dispute, with the threshold set to be reduced to 1.5% from April 2026. In parallel, merchants whose transactions have included more than 20% enumeration attacks – fraudulent test purchases made with stolen card details – have been brought under the scope of enforcement, regardless of transaction value.

The introduction of VAMP has signalled a fundamental shift for merchants, who have been faced with increased compliance obligations, heightened cost pressures, and the potential risk of being restricted from accepting Visa payments.

“With VAMP, Visa compels merchants to get on the front foot with fraud. If they don’t, they may find themselves hit with additional fees or even blocked from accepting Visa payments altogether. No merchant wants to find themselves unable to accept Visa payments, which make up almost 40% of global card transactions. Maintaining low fraud rates is not just a cost-control or compliance issue; it’s a business-critical priority. Merchants can’t afford to sit back. VAMP is here, and the impact will be felt across customer experience, operations and revenue,” said Martin Sweeney, CEO of Ravelin.

To help businesses adapt, Ravelin has published a dedicated VAMP Guide, which has outlined how merchants have been able to assess their exposure, strengthen collaboration with acquirers, and deploy real-time fraud prevention measures. Advanced authentication solutions such as 3D Secure have been highlighted as vital tools for minimising fraud while preserving seamless customer experiences.

With VAMP having been launched, merchants have been placed at a critical juncture where compliance, technology adoption, and customer trust have become inseparable. By taking proactive steps, businesses have been enabled to mitigate penalties, avoid operational disruption, and build sustainable growth in an increasingly digital economy.