MCC 7941

Sporting Events
Applications
Decisions
Identities
Transactions

Underwriting Cheat Sheet

Understanding Merchant Category Codes (MCC) is essential for merchants and financial institutions navigating the payment processing landscape. MCC code 7941 is specifically designated for commercial sports, professional sports clubs, and athletic fields, encompassing a wide range of sports-related activities and facilities. This guide from Gratify offers an in-depth exploration of MCC code 7941, providing valuable insights into its characteristics, associated risks, and best practices for managing merchant relationships within the sports industry.
Typical Business Types

MCC Code 7941 assigned exclusively to commercial sports entities, including professional sports clubs and athletic fields.

#1
Professional Sports Teams
Organizations competing in leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB).
#2
Ticketing Services
Sales of tickets for sporting events.
#3
Merchandise Sales
Sales of team apparel and memorabilia.
High Level Information for Payment Processors

Transaction Types

  • Card-Present Transactions
    • In-person payments at stadiums, arenas, or club facilities.
  • Card-Not-Present Transactions
    • Online or phone purchases of tickets and merchandise.
  • Recurring Payments
    • Membership dues or season ticket installments.
  • High-Value Transactions
    • Significant amounts for premium seating, corporate boxes, or sponsorships.
  • International Transactions
    • Purchases by customers from different countries, especially for popular events.

Common Payment Methods

  • Credit and Debit Cards
    • Primary methods for ticket and merchandise purchases.
  • Mobile Payments
    • Use of Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless options.
  • Digital Wallets
    • Payments through platforms like PayPal.
  • Bank Transfers
    • Especially for large corporate sponsorships or bulk ticket sales.
  • Gift Cards and Vouchers
    • Team or event-specific prepaid cards.

Unique Business Characteristics

  • Seasonal Revenue Fluctuations
    • Income varies based on sports seasons and event schedules.
  • High Chargeback Risk
    • Due to event cancellations, date changes, or dissatisfaction with seating.
  • Advance Sales
    • Tickets and memberships sold well before the event date.
  • Dynamic Pricing
    • Ticket prices may change based on demand and availability.
  • Regulatory Compliance
    • Adherence to laws regarding ticket sales, consumer rights, and data protection.

.
Overwhelmed with Applications?

Gratify offers instant merchant application enrichment to get the full picture of your customers in real-time

Key Risks and Concerns

Fraud Risks

  • Ticket Fraud
    • Sale of counterfeit tickets or unauthorized reselling.
  • Chargeback Fraud
    • Customers disputing charges after attending events.
  • Scalping and Resale Violations
    • Unauthorized resale of tickets at inflated prices.
  • Data Security Breaches
    • Theft of customer payment and personal information.
  • Friendly Fraud
    • Legitimate customers claiming non-receipt of tickets or services.

Regulatory Challenges

  • PCI DSS Compliance
    • Ensuring secure handling of payment card data.
  • Event Cancellation Policies
    • Compliance with refund regulations for canceled or postponed events.
  • Consumer Protection Laws
    • Adherence to laws governing fair ticketing practices.
  • International Regulations
    • Managing cross-border transactions and tax obligations.

Chargeback Triggers

  • Event Cancellations or Postponements
    • Customers requesting refunds due to schedule changes.
  • Non-Delivery of Tickets
    • Failure to deliver tickets or access credentials.
  • Unauthorized Transactions
    • Charges not recognized by the cardholder.
  • Billing Errors
    • Incorrect charges or duplicate transactions.
  • Disputes Over Seating or Services
    • Dissatisfaction with assigned seats or event experience.

Common Fraud Signals

Bulk Ticket Purchases

  • Large quantity purchases by a single buyer, potentially for unauthorized resale.

Mismatched Customer Information

  • Discrepancies between billing details and ticket recipient information.

High-Value Transactions from New Customers

  • Significant purchases without prior transaction history.

International Purchases for Local Events

  • Orders from high-risk countries not typical for the event's audience.

Multiple Transactions in Short Succession

  • Rapid purchases using the same card or different cards from the same IP address.

Underwriting Tips

Business Verification

  • Confirm valid business licenses and registrations.
  • Verify affiliations with official sports leagues or governing bodies.
  • Check for compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Financial Assessment

  • Review financial statements to evaluate revenue stability and profitability.
  • Analyze average transaction amounts and monthly processing volumes.
  • Assess the impact of seasonal fluctuations on cash flow.

Risk Evaluation

  • Examine historical chargeback ratios and reasons.
  • Assess fraud prevention measures and security protocols.
  • Review policies for handling cancellations, refunds, and exchanges.

Policy Review

  • Ensure clear terms and conditions for ticket sales and event policies.
  • Verify that refund and cancellation policies are transparent and accessible.
  • Evaluate data protection and privacy policies for compliance.

Technology Assessment

  • Confirm the use of secure, up-to-date ticketing and payment systems.
  • Ensure encryption and tokenization are implemented for data protection.
  • Verify compliance with PCI DSS and other security standards.

Reputation Analysis

  • Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Ticketmaster or Yelp.
  • Investigate any history of regulatory violations or legal issues.
  • Assess customer satisfaction levels and complaint resolution effectiveness.

Example Scenarios and Red Flags
  • Sudden Surge in Chargebacks
    • Following an event cancellation, a sports club experiences a high volume of chargebacks due to inadequate refund processing.
  • Bulk Purchases by Unknown Entities
    • Large ticket orders from unfamiliar businesses or individuals, potentially indicating unauthorized reselling.
  • Mismatched Billing and Shipping Addresses
    • Tickets purchased with differing billing and recipient information, suggesting potential fraud.
  • High Number of International Transactions
    • Unusual increase in foreign purchases for local events, possibly from fraudulent sources.
  • Customer Complaints About Non-Delivery
    • Multiple reports of customers not receiving electronic tickets, indicating system issues or fraud.

Common Underwriting Questions

Business Operations

  • What types of events do you host or participate in?
  • Are you affiliated with any major sports leagues or associations?
  • How do you sell tickets (e.g., online, box office, third-party vendors)?

Payment Processing Methods

  • What payment methods do you accept?
  • Do you offer recurring billing for memberships or season tickets?
  • How do you handle international transactions?

Fraud Prevention Measures

  • What security protocols are in place to prevent ticket fraud and unauthorized reselling?
  • Do you use any fraud detection tools or services?
  • How do you secure customer data and payment information?

Regulatory Compliance

  • Are you compliant with PCI DSS and data protection regulations?
  • How do you ensure adherence to consumer protection laws related to ticket sales?

Cancellation and Refund Policies

  • What is your policy on event cancellations or postponements?
  • How do you communicate changes and handle refunds to customers?

Customer Service

  • What channels do you provide for customer support?
  • What is your average response time for resolving issues or disputes?

Ongoing Monitoring

Transaction Monitoring

  • Implement real-time alerts for suspicious activities.
  • Regularly review transaction reports for anomalies or patterns indicative of fraud.
  • Monitor for bulk purchases and unusual transaction volumes.

Chargeback Management

  • Analyze chargeback trends and implement corrective measures.
  • Maintain documentation to dispute illegitimate chargebacks effectively.
  • Provide clear communication to customers regarding policies to reduce disputes.

Compliance Checks

  • Ensure continuous adherence to PCI DSS and data protection regulations.
  • Stay updated on changes in consumer protection laws and implement necessary adjustments.
  • Conduct regular audits of ticketing systems and payment platforms.

Security Updates

  • Keep systems and software up to date with security patches.
  • Implement advanced security features like encryption and tokenization.
  • Use CAPTCHA and other tools to prevent automated fraudulent purchases.

Merchant Communication

  • Maintain open dialogue regarding changes in business operations or event schedules.
  • Provide resources and support for fraud prevention and compliance.
  • Encourage proactive reporting of any suspicious activities or security concerns.

Risk Assessment Adjustments

  • Reevaluate risk parameters based on changes in transaction volumes or patterns.
  • Update underwriting policies as necessary to reflect current risks.
  • Monitor seasonal trends and prepare for fluctuations in activity.

Customer Feedback Analysis

  • Monitor reviews and social media mentions for service issues.
  • Address negative feedback promptly to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Use feedback to identify potential areas of risk or concern.