The error message "There was an error processing your payment. Reason: Gateway Rejected: risk_threshold"

[chushpan]

The error message "There was an error processing your payment. Reason: Gateway Rejected: risk_threshold" indicates that the payment gateway has rejected your transaction due to a perceived risk. This is a common issue in online payments, especially when dealing with sensitive financial transactions. Let's break down what this means and how you can address it:

1. Understanding the Error​

• "Gateway Rejected: risk_threshold":
  • This error occurs when the payment gateway (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, or another processor) detects that the transaction poses a higher-than-acceptable level of risk.
  • The "risk threshold" refers to predefined rules or algorithms used by the payment gateway to evaluate the likelihood of fraud or unauthorized activity.
• Possible Reasons for Risk Detection:
  1. Unusual Transaction Patterns:
     • The transaction may involve an unusually large amount, occur at an unusual time, or come from an unfamiliar location.
  2. New Account or Card:
     • If the account or card being used is new, the gateway may flag it as risky until it establishes a history of legitimate transactions.
  3. Multiple Failed Transactions:
     • If there have been multiple failed attempts to process payments recently, the gateway may block further transactions temporarily.
  4. Suspicious IP Address or Device:
     • The payment gateway may detect that the IP address or device being used is associated with previous fraudulent activities.
  5. Inconsistent Data:
     • If the information provided during the transaction (e.g., billing address, shipping address, or card details) doesn’t match historical data, the gateway may reject the payment.

2. Steps to Resolve the Issue​

a) Check Your Payment Information​

• Verify Billing and Shipping Addresses:
  • Ensure that the billing and shipping addresses match the information on file with your bank or credit card issuer.
• Confirm Card Details:
  • Double-check the card number, expiration date, CVV, and other required fields.
• Use a Different Payment Method:
  • Try using a different card or payment method (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay).

b) Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer​

• Notify Your Bank:
  • Call your bank or card issuer to inform them about the attempted transaction. They may need to verify your identity and approve the transaction manually.
• Check for Suspicious Activity:
  • Ask your bank if there are any flags or restrictions on your account that could be causing the rejection.

c) Review Your Account Settings​

• Update Personal Information:
  • Ensure that all personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number) in your account is up-to-date.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
  • Adding an extra layer of security can help reduce the perception of risk associated with your account.

d) Retry the Transaction Later​

• Wait Before Retrying:
  • Sometimes, payment gateways temporarily block transactions due to high-risk behavior. Waiting a few hours or days may resolve the issue.
• Try a Smaller Amount:
  • If the transaction involves a large sum, try splitting it into smaller amounts to see if the gateway accepts them.

e) Contact the Merchant or Service Provider​

• Reach Out to Support:
  • Inform the merchant or service provider about the error. They may have additional insights or can assist in resolving the issue.
• Provide Additional Verification:
  • Some merchants allow you to provide additional verification (e.g., proof of identity, recent transactions) to prove that the payment is legitimate.

f) Use a Secure Connection​

• Ensure HTTPS:
  • Make sure you are using a secure connection (HTTPS) when making the payment. Unsecured connections can trigger risk alerts.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi:
  • Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi networks, as they can increase the risk of interception.

3. Preventing Future Issues​

• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:
  • Keep an eye on your bank accounts and payment history to detect any suspicious activity early.
• Use Strong Passwords and Security Measures:
  • Enable two-factor authentication and use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Limit High-Risk Transactions:
  • Avoid making large or unusual transactions, especially if you haven’t established a history with the payment gateway.
• Stay Informed About Fraud Prevention:
  • Educate yourself about common fraud tactics and how to protect yourself.

4. Common Causes and Solutions​

Cause	Solution
Unusual transaction patterns	Try smaller transactions or wait before retrying.
New account or card	Establish a history of legitimate transactions.
Multiple failed transactions	Wait for the temporary block to expire or contact your bank.
Suspicious IP address or device	Use a trusted network and device.
Inconsistent data	Verify and update all payment details to match your bank records.

5. Final Thoughts​

If the issue persists, it’s important to remain patient and communicate with both your bank and the merchant. Payment gateways often have strict policies to prevent fraud, so understanding their requirements and providing accurate information is crucial.

Let me know if you need further assistance!

 

[Man]

Error "Gateway Rejected: risk_threshold" - causes and solutions​

This error means that the payment gateway (e.g. PayPal, Stripe, banking system) blocked the transaction due to suspicious activity. Let's figure out why this happens and how to fix it.

1. Main causes of the error​

(1) Suspicious behavior​

• An unusually large payment has been made to your account.
• Frequent attempts to pay from different cards.
• Change of country/IP address before transaction.

(2) Problems with the card​

• A card from a "risky" country (e.g. Nigeria, Russia).
• NON-VBV card (without 3D-Secure).
• The card is blacklisted (data leak, suspected fraud).

(3) Technical factors​

• VPN/proxy (the gateway sees the location substitution).
• Outdated data (incorrect CVV, expiration date).
• Bank limits (for example, new cards have restrictions).

2. How to fix?​

For buyers:​

Disable VPN – Pay from your country’s real IP.
Use a “clean” card – Visa/Mastercard with 3D-Secure is better.
Contact your bank – Check if there is a block.
Try another payment method – For example, PayPal or cryptocurrency (if the store accepts it).

For sellers (if customers complain):​

Set up Risk Management – In Stripe/PayPal, reduce the severity of filters.
Connect 3D-Secure – This will reduce the number of refusals.
Add alternative payment methods – Apple Pay, Google Pay.

3. What to do if the error persists?​

1. Please wait 24 hours – Temporary blocking may occur.
2. Try another browser/device – Sometimes the problem is in the cache or cookies.
3. Contact the payment system support - For example, Stripe has a Disputes & Fraud section.

Important!​

If the system constantly blocks payments, your account or card may be on the "gray list". In this case, it is better to get a new card (for example, a virtual Revolut) and not use suspicious proxies.

Need help with a specific case? Describe the details (which gateway, card country, etc.), and I will give you more precise advice!