Why is Pinterest Ads flagging my VCC as "high risk"?

If Pinterest Ads is flagging your Virtual Credit Card (VCC) as "high risk", it could be due to several factors that are part of Pinterest's fraud prevention measures or their payment verification process. Here are some common reasons why your VCC might be flagged as high risk:

🚨 Common Reasons for a "High Risk" Flag on Your VCC
1. Inconsistent or Mismatched Billing Information
Mismatch between the billing information on your VCC (e.g., name, address, email) and the information on your Pinterest Ads account could trigger a high-risk flag. This includes discrepancies like a different address or payment details not matching.

Solution: Ensure that the billing address, name, and other information on your VCC exactly match the details in your Pinterest Ads account.

2. Unusual Payment Behavior
If your account is using multiple VCCs, or if there are rapid changes in payment methods or billing addresses, Pinterest may flag it as suspicious to protect against potential fraudulent activities.

Solution: Use a single, consistent payment method and update it sparingly to avoid raising red flags.

3. Frequent Changes in Payment Methods
Frequent switching of payment methods (especially VCCs) in a short amount of time can be seen as suspicious behavior and might flag your account as high risk.

Solution: Limit changes to your payment method. Stick to one reliable source for a longer period.

4. Large or Unusual Transactions
If Pinterest detects a large, unusual transaction or a sudden increase in ad spend compared to previous activity, it might trigger a review of your payment method.

Solution: Start with a moderate ad budget and increase it gradually over time. Avoid sudden spikes in your campaign spending.

5. VCC Issuer's Risk Factors
Some VCC issuers (especially those linked to crypto or prepaid services) may have higher fraud risk profiles in Pinterest's system. These cards may be associated with temporary or non-traditional payment methods that Pinterest may flag as high risk.

Solution: Consider using a traditional credit card or a reliable debit card that Pinterest is more likely to accept without issues.

6. Use of Temporary or Disposable VCCs
Temporary or single-use VCCs can often be flagged as high risk because they are associated with one-time payments or anonymous transactions, which are harder to track and verify.

Solution: Use a permanent VCC (with a stable billing address) instead of a temporary or disposable one.

7. Location-Based Issues
If your VCC is issued in one country or region, but you are attempting to run ads in a different region, Pinterest might flag the payment as high risk due to potential geographic discrepancies or concerns about fraud.

Solution: Ensure that your VCC is linked to the same region as your Pinterest Ads account and ad campaigns.

8. History of Chargebacks or Disputes
If your account has a history of chargebacks or payment disputes, Pinterest may flag future payments as high risk to prevent further financial risk.

Solution: If you've had chargebacks or payment issues, consider reaching out to Pinterest support to resolve any past issues before continuing to run ads.

📞 What to Do If Your VCC Is Flagged as High Risk
If your VCC is flagged as "high risk," follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Review Your Payment Method:

Double-check the billing information on your VCC and make sure it matches the details in your Pinterest Ads account.

If the card is temporary or disposable, consider switching to a more permanent payment method.

Contact Pinterest Ads Support:

Go to Pinterest Ads Support and explain the situation. You may need to provide the following:

Your account details

The VCC information you're using

The reason for why your payment method was flagged

They may ask for additional documentation (such as a copy of the VCC statement or proof of identity) to verify your account.

Update Your Payment Method:

If your VCC is the cause of the issue, consider switching to a more reliable payment method like a traditional credit card or PayPal.

Wait for Verification:

Pinterest may require some time to review and verify your payment method. They'll typically notify you once the review process is complete and whether the flag has been lifted.

✅ Summary
If your VCC is flagged as "high risk" on Pinterest Ads, it could be due to billing mismatches, unusual payment behavior, or using temporary VCCs that Pinterest's system sees as suspicious. To resolve this, make sure your payment details are consistent, avoid frequent changes, and consider using a more reliable payment method. Contact Pinterest Ads support for assistance in clearing up the issue.