Visa Dispute Monitoring Program
High Risk Merchants

What is the Visa Dispute Monitoring Program?

The Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) is a United States government program that monitors merchants who process Visa credit card transactions. The program was designed to help protect consumers from fraudulent and unauthorized charges, as well as to ensure the safety and security of the Visa payment system. The VDMP is administered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and is funded by Visa.

The VDMP utilizes a number of methods to monitor merchants, including on-site examinations, automated screening of merchant transactions, and the review of consumer complaints. If the program identifies any potential risks associated with a merchant, it will work with the merchant to address those risks. If the merchant does not take corrective action, the program may revoke the merchant’s Visa processing privileges.

The VDMP is an important tool in helping to protect consumers from fraudulent charges and ensuring the safety and security of the Visa payment system. It is important to be aware of how the program works and what it can do to help protect you as a Visa cardholder. If you have any questions about the program, you should contact your card issuer or the VDMP directly.

What are the Fines applicable on merchants under VDMP?

The fines imposed on merchants under the VDMP can range from $5,000 to $500,000 per incident, depending on the severity of the offense. Merchants who are found to have committed fraud or other illegal activities may also be subject to criminal charges.

What is the process for filing a complaint with the VDMP?

If you have a complaint about a merchant who has processed your Visa credit card, you can file a complaint with the VDMP. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. You will need to provide the following information:

  • Your name
  • The name of the merchant
  • The type of product or service you purchased from the merchant
  • The date of the purchase
  • The amount of the purchase
  • Your Visa credit card number
  • The billing address on your Visa credit card account

You can find more information about filing a complaint on the VDMP website.

What happens after I file a complaint?

After you file a complaint, the VDMP will investigate the merchant. If the investigation finds that the merchant has committed fraud or other illegal activities, the VDMP will take action against the merchant. This may include revoking the merchant’s Visa processing privileges and/or imposing fines. The VDMP will also keep track of the merchant’s history and any complaints filed against it, so that consumers can make informed decisions about whether or not to do business with the merchant.

How does a merchant get out of the VDMP?

A merchant can get out of the VDMP by taking corrective action to address the risks identified by the program. This may include changing business practices, increasing security measures, or providing additional training for employees. If the merchant takes corrective action and meets all program requirements, the VDMP will remove the merchant from the program.

What are the benefits of the VDMP?

The VDMP provides a number of benefits to consumers, including protection from fraudulent and unauthorized charges, and ensuring the safety and security of the Visa payment system. The program also helps to keep merchants accountable for their actions and ensures that they are taking steps to protect consumers.