The VISA VAMP program ushers in a new era of fraud prevention
Visa’s enhanced Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP), launching today (April 1, 2025), is the latest scheme-wide advancement in fraud mitigation and disputes. With a six-month advisory period extending until September 30, 2025, Visa is providing time for the industry to adapt to the new framework. At DIMOCO, we’re ready to support our partners through this transition, offering robust compliance solutions designed for elevated-risk industries like iGaming.
Understanding Visa VAMP and its impact on iGaming operators
The restructured VAMP merges five existing fraud and dispute programs into a single acquirer-driven initiative. This shift places greater emphasis on fraud mitigation, dispute resolution, and transaction monitoring. For iGaming operators, these changes translate into stricter fraud detection requirements, refined dispute management protocols, and an increased need for proactive risk mitigation strategies.
Why these changes matter
Visa’s goal is to strengthen the payments ecosystem against fraud and disputes, particularly in response to the growing prevalence of card-not-present (CNP) fraud. By transitioning to a lifecycle risk management approach, Visa aims to:
- Establish transparent fraud thresholds.
- Improve best practice protocols.
- Strengthen dispute resolution processes.
Lowering the dispute ratio: how operators can adapt
One of the most significant changes under VAMP is the reduction of the dispute ratio threshold from 1.5% to 0.9%. This won’t come into effect until 2026 but to comply with this new standard, iGaming operators should
- Enhance customer verification: implement advanced identity verification methods to prevent unauthorized transactions.
- Optimize transaction clarity: use clear and recognizable descriptors on bank statements to reduce confusion.
- Strengthen customer support: resolve disputes proactively before they escalate to chargebacks.
- Utilize fraud detection tools: implement fraud monitoring systems to detect and block suspicious activities.
Optimizing the depositing process
A frictionless and transparent deposit experience can help operators minimize disputes. Key measures include:
- Clearly display deposit terms and conditions prior to payment processing.
- Sending real-time transaction confirmations to reassure users.
- Leveraging strong authentication methods, such as 3D Secure, to prevent fraudulent transactions.
- Offering hassle-free refund options to prevent chargebacks resulting from dissatisfaction.
Addressing iGaming-specific fraud challenges
iGaming operators face unique fraud risks, including bonus abuse, account takeovers, and friendly fraud. To mitigate these threats, operators should:
- Monitor and limit promotional offers to prevent bonus exploitation.
- Strengthen user account security through multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Educate players on dispute policies to reduce unnecessary chargebacks.
How acquirers can support merchants
As a leading payment solutions provider, DIMOCO is positioned to help iGaming operators navigate these new regulatory requirements. Our suite of risk management solutions includes:
- Fraud detection tools that minimize false positives.
- Optimized payment routing to enhance approval rates while ensuring compliance.
- Comprehensive transaction reporting to aid in dispute resolution.
- Seamless integration with Visa’s security programs.
The future of fraud prevention
Visa’s continued investment in security, exceeding $10 billion over the past five years, has already prevented over $40 billion in fraud losses in 2024 alone. The introduction of VAMP marks a pivotal step in advancing fraud prevention strategies across the industry. By encouraging collaboration between acquirers, merchants, and solution providers, the industry can stay ahead of emerging threats and create a safer payments environment.
At DIMOCO, we are committed to empowering our partners with the tools and expertise needed to navigate this new era of fraud prevention successfully.
