The letters "CW" you sometimes see on a credit card are a visual illusion created by proportional fonts squashing the letters "CVV" (Card Verification Value) together. Therefore, CW, in this context, actually refers to the CVV.
Here's a breakdown:
- CVV (Card Verification Value): This is a three- or four-digit security code located on the back of most credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or on the front for American Express cards.
- Purpose: The CVV is designed to protect your card from fraud by verifying that you physically possess the card when making purchases online or over the phone.
- The "CW" Illusion: When the letters "CVV" are printed using certain fonts, the two "V"s can appear very close together, making them look like "W." This is why some people mistake the code for "CW".
- Importance of Protecting Your CVV: Never share your CVV with anyone you don't trust, and be cautious about entering it on unfamiliar or unsecured websites.
In essence, don't go looking for a "CW" on your card. You're looking for the CVV!
