The Visa Inc. Confidential Compliance Hotline is a resource designed to help you raise a concern regarding actual or suspected violations of Visa's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code), other policies, and/or law. Any information you submit through the Hotline will be kept confidential to the fullest extent possible, and any personal information will be processed in accordance with Visa’s Global Employee Privacy Notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
About EthicsPoint
What is EthicsPoint?
EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential communications tool to assist management and employees to work together to address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace, all while cultivating a positive work environment.
Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?
- We believe that our employees are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity.
- Publicly traded companies are required by law to have an anonymous communication channel which allows individuals to raise concerns regarding accounting and auditing fraud.
- An effective system for raising concerns augments our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
Raising Concerns – General
How can I raise a concern to the hotline?
You can raise a concern or ask a question by calling the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline 888-289-9322 which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, scanning the barcode with your mobile device, or submitting a complaint online through your tablet, smartphone or computer. All options allow you to provide your contact information or remain anonymous.
What type of concerns or questions should I raise?
The EthicsPoint system is designed for raising concerns or asking questions regarding any of the topics covered by Visa’s policies and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
If something does not seem right, can I tell my manager or HR?
You may bring any concerns forward to your manager, Human Resources representative, Business Unit Compliance Officer, BusinessConduct@Visa.com, or other member of our management team. We recognize, however, there may be circumstances when speaking directly with management regarding your concerns may feel uncomfortable. For this reason, we have partnered with EthicsPoint to provide an additional channel for raising concerns and asking questions.
Why should I raise my concerns?
We all have the right to work in a positive, safe and comfortable environment. In order to protect that right, we are all responsible for acting in an ethical manner and reporting any observation or suspicion of inappropriate conduct so that it may be promptly addressed. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment.
Where does the information I provide go? Who has access?
Information is entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. Visa’s Business Conduct Office accesses EthicsPoint to review the information and make sure it will be addressed.
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It is my understanding that any information I send from a company computer generates a server log that shows every website that I visit on my computer. Would this log identify me as someone who has submitted information via EthicsPoint?
EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your computer to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue the identity of an individual who submits information to EthicsPoint.
If you feel uncomfortable raising concerns on your work computer, you have the option of using a computer or mobile device not provided by Visa or outside our work environment (such as one located at an Internet café, at a friend’s house, etc.) through the EthicsPoint secure website.
Can I raise a concern or ask a question from a non-Visa device and remain anonymous?
Information submitted from personal device, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the EthicsPoint system removes Internet addresses so that anonymity is maintained. Plus, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue the identity of an individual who submits information to EthicsPoint.
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If I was not directly involved but heard of a possible policy violation, should I report it?
Yes. If you become aware of any incidents of possible misconduct, you are expected to report it. Choose the channel most comfortable to you, which may include management, HR, or EthicsPoint.
What if my manager or other leaders are involved in a violation?
The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
Can my report be updated later?
When you raise a concern or ask a question at the EthicsPoint Web site or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by Internet or telephone to add more detail. If the Business Conduct Office has further questions for you, they will be posted for your review and response during your follow-up.
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