Merchant Account - TMF / MATCH List
MATCH stands for "Member Alert to Control High-risk Merchants (MATCH) List", it is a list maintain by credit card companies ( Master Card, Visa, American Express, etc. ) to label high-risk merchants.
TMF stands for "Terminated Merchant File", a file for terminated merchant, and a data base that records merchants who has been included in the high-risk list.
The personal information of the merchant will be added to the MATCH list and recorded in the TMF database when, during the payment card transaction, the merchant engages in fraudulent actions, sells goods that are outside the terms of the merchant agreement, or participates in any other high-risk activities. This means that when a merchant attempts to establish an account with another bank or credit card processor, they will be restricted or warned.
There are a variety of reasons why a merchant could be listed on MATCH (also known as the High-Risk List, Terminated Merchant List, etc.). primarily because the business engages in high-risk operations such processing unlawful, fraudulent, and standard-violating transactions.
Fraud Activity: Processed counterfeit, fraudulent transactions, engaging in fraudulent collusive activity, etc.
High-risk Business: Running a high-risk business (EX. Gamble, Erotic service, selling illicit drugs, process high volume ticket, etc.)
Violation of standards: The merchant violate a card brand's standards and regulations, or has a high refund and chargeback ratio.
Illegal Transactions: Selling illegal or fraud merchandises, infringement or unauthorized products.
Questionable charge: Process unauthorized or counterfeit transactions, provide counterfeit refund, etc.
Fail to follow security standard: No following specific security standard, like PCI Data Security Standard, etc.
Some processors may refuse to partner with or offer service to the merchant if they are added to the MATCH list. The signer, connected partners, and merchant's DBA name will all be mentioned in the file. The merchant will be subject to risk monitoring and must conform to tougher safety regulations.
If the merchant is on the MATCH list due to illegal activities, the merchant will faced possible legal liability and litigation.
In most cases, five years after the merchant's most recent entry, the merchant will be immediately removed from the MATCH list.
Please contact the processing company for specific reason.
TMF stands for "Terminated Merchant File", a file for terminated merchant, and a data base that records merchants who has been included in the high-risk list.
The personal information of the merchant will be added to the MATCH list and recorded in the TMF database when, during the payment card transaction, the merchant engages in fraudulent actions, sells goods that are outside the terms of the merchant agreement, or participates in any other high-risk activities. This means that when a merchant attempts to establish an account with another bank or credit card processor, they will be restricted or warned.
Why Are Merchants On The MATCH List
There are a variety of reasons why a merchant could be listed on MATCH (also known as the High-Risk List, Terminated Merchant List, etc.). primarily because the business engages in high-risk operations such processing unlawful, fraudulent, and standard-violating transactions.
Common Reason For Merchants To Be Placed On The MATCH:
Fraud Activity: Processed counterfeit, fraudulent transactions, engaging in fraudulent collusive activity, etc.
High-risk Business: Running a high-risk business (EX. Gamble, Erotic service, selling illicit drugs, process high volume ticket, etc.)
Violation of standards: The merchant violate a card brand's standards and regulations, or has a high refund and chargeback ratio.
Illegal Transactions: Selling illegal or fraud merchandises, infringement or unauthorized products.
Questionable charge: Process unauthorized or counterfeit transactions, provide counterfeit refund, etc.
Fail to follow security standard: No following specific security standard, like PCI Data Security Standard, etc.
The Impacts Of Being On The MATCH List
Some processors may refuse to partner with or offer service to the merchant if they are added to the MATCH list. The signer, connected partners, and merchant's DBA name will all be mentioned in the file. The merchant will be subject to risk monitoring and must conform to tougher safety regulations.
If the merchant is on the MATCH list due to illegal activities, the merchant will faced possible legal liability and litigation.
How To Be Removed From The MATCH List
In most cases, five years after the merchant's most recent entry, the merchant will be immediately removed from the MATCH list.
How To Determine Why A Buiness Was Included In A MATCH List?
Please contact the processing company for specific reason.
Updated on: 04/10/2023
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