Mastercard 4807 - Warning Bulletin File
Overview
Used when a transaction was processed on a card that appeared on the Warning Bulletin (hot card list) at the time of the transaction.
When This Code Applies
- Card was on Warning Bulletin at transaction time
- Card was reported lost, stolen, or fraudulent
- Terminal should have received decline/pick-up response
- Transaction processed despite Warning Bulletin listing
Conditions for Valid Chargeback
Issuer Must Verify
- Card was on Warning Bulletin at transaction time
- Transaction was card-present
- Merchant terminal should have checked Warning Bulletin
Transaction Must Be
- Card-present (CP) transaction
- Processed at a terminal that can check Warning Bulletin
- Processed after card was added to Warning Bulletin
Time Frames
| Region | Chargeback Window |
|---|---|
| Standard | 90 calendar days from settlement |
| ATM/Maestro Europe | 120 calendar days |
Warning Bulletin Process
How Warning Bulletin Works
- Issuer reports card as compromised
- Card added to Mastercard Warning Bulletin
- Bulletin distributed to terminals/acquirers
- Terminal should check and decline/retain card
Response Codes
| Code | Action |
|---|---|
| 04 | Capture card |
| 41 | Lost card |
| 43 | Stolen card |
Representment Options
Limited options when Warning Bulletin applies:
1. Card Not on Warning Bulletin at Transaction Time
Evidence required:
- Transaction timestamp
- Warning Bulletin addition timestamp
- Card added after transaction
2. Authorization Was Approved
Evidence required:
- Valid authorization code
- Auth request/response log
- No Warning Bulletin match at auth time
3. Transaction Was Card-Not-Present
Evidence required:
- CNP transaction indicator
- E-commerce or MOTO proof
- Different rules apply to CNP
Prevention Strategies
Terminal Configuration
- Real-time authorization - Always check online
- Warning Bulletin updates - Keep terminal data current
- Response code handling - Honor decline responses
- Decline = No sale - Never override Warning Bulletin
Staff Training
- Decline code recognition - Know what 04, 41, 43 mean
- No override policy - Never force through declined cards
- Card retention - When safe, per local policy
- Documentation - Log all Warning Bulletin events
System Requirements
- Online terminals - No offline auth
- Current Warning Bulletin - Regular updates
- Logging - Record all auth responses
- Alert on declines - Flag Warning Bulletin matches
Win Rate Expectations
| Scenario | Expected Win Rate |
|---|---|
| Card added after transaction | 80-90% |
| Auth approved (no Warning Bulletin match) | 70-85% |
| Card on Warning Bulletin at time | Under 10% |
Common Mistakes
- Offline processing - Cannot check Warning Bulletin
- Ignoring decline codes - Processing despite decline
- Outdated Warning Bulletin - Terminal data not current
- Staff override - Forcing through blocked cards
Regional Notes
Europe (ATM/Maestro)
- Extended 120-day chargeback window
- Additional Warning Bulletin rules
Other Regions
- Standard 90-day window
- Check regional variations