6 December 2006
Apacs, the UK payments association, has issued a statement urging consumers to make sure that they are shopping safely online in the run up to Christmas by ensuring that they use internet security systems like those provided by Visa and MasterCard.
Many surveys have shown that consumer confidence in shopping online is booming and as a result, many will choose the stress free option of spending their hard-earned cash over the internet in the run-up to the festive season in an effort to avoid the crowded high street.
Unfortunately, the survey carried out by Apacs also revealed that Brits are leaving themselves open to fraud when they purchase goods online. A third of those asked confessed that they didn't know how to check if a website is secure.
To combat this, Apacs' fraud awareness campaign is recommending that online shoppers should register with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode whenever they are given the option of doing so.
Sandra Quinn, director of corporate communications at Apacs, said: "Our research has shown that nearly half of those who shop online do so more at Christmas than any other time of the year and just over a quarter of that group will do about half of their Christmas shopping online.
"We would therefore urge them to arm themselves against the fraudsters by signing up where possible to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode for a stress and hassle-free shopping experience this Christmas."