16 February 2009
Online shopping has taken off in recent years, but new research shows that many consumers are still worried about credit card fraud online.
CyberSource found that 66 per cent of people have concerns over the security of shopping on the internet.
It also revealed that of those who do not shop online, 41 per cent say security worries are preventing them from doing so.
Around one-third of those questioned said they or someone they know has fallen victim to online credit card fraud.
Simon Stokes, Managing Director of CyberSource, said: "With the abundance of media coverage about security breaches, it is not surprising that some shoppers are frightened off."
He said there are a number of measures that consumers can take to minimise their exposure to fraud when buying goods and services online.
For example, the survey shows that 68% of online shoppers have signed up for MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa programmes.
Consumers should also check their credit card report carefully, as this will give them an early indication that their card details have been compromised.
Figures from the UK payments association Apacs show that of the £32.3 billion spent on plastic in December, some £4.7 billion was spent online.
Check your credit report.