Reason codes / MATCH codes / MATCH 5: Excessive Fraud
MATCH code 5: Excessive Fraud
Official definition and what it means for your removal request.
Definition
The Merchant effected fraudulent Transactions of any type (counterfeit or otherwise) meeting or exceeding the following minimum reporting Standard: the Merchant's fraud-to-sales dollar volume ratio was 8% or greater in a calendar month, and the Merchant effected 10 or more fraudulent Transactions totaling USD 5,000 or more in that calendar month.
What this means in plain language
Mastercard saw enough fraudulent card activity in a month—by volume and ratio to sales—to require a listing. That can include counterfeit cards, stolen card use, or other fraud types; the key is crossing their published fraud-to-sales bar.
What you can do
If you were listed under MATCH code 5, you can submit a formal removal request to the PSP or acquirer that added you. They will review your case (cause, remediation, corrective actions) and, if satisfied, can request removal from the MATCH list. We help you draft and submit that request. See MATCH list removal and all MATCH and VMSS reason codes.
Removal guides by PSP
The approach to removal depends on which PSP or acquirer listed you. See our PSP-specific guides: