Payment Radar
Mastercard tightens the response window for suspected scam merchants
The 72-hour investigation requirement applies to acquirers and payment facilitators; merchants should be record-ready.
Payment RadarSource image: Mastercard · linked publisher media; native reuse rights require confirmation 
What changed
Starting in July, Mastercard says acquirers and payment facilitators must initiate an investigation within 72 hours when potential scam activity reaches a risk threshold. Confirmed activity must result in stopping Mastercard acceptance.
Who is affected
The requirement applies to acquirers and payment facilitators. Their merchants may receive faster information requests or account action when risk signals appear.
Merchant impact
Keep legal name, URLs, product descriptions and support contacts current. Retain fulfilment and refund evidence, monitor disputes, document unusual volume changes and assign a provider-response owner.
Uncertainty
Mastercard does not disclose the threshold or complete procedure. A cited pilot is not a performance guarantee for every portfolio.
Original source
Mastercard — How to stop the scammers behind the storefronts (May 19, 2026).
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