Safe shopping options can further boost E-commerce

Wednesday, 11 February 2009 12:43

A recent survey by GfK (on behalf of CyberSource Ltd) shows that more people are willing to shop online if their security fears are adequately addressed. 66 per cent of the 1,000 people that were surveyed cited security fears as the main concern when shopping online.

According to MD of CyberSource, Simon Stokes, "The challenge to the industry is educating consumers to shop safely, to minimise their exposure to fraud. As more people gain access to the Internet and realize the convenience, value, and safety of shopping online, I believe we'll see a higher percentage trying and staying with this form of purchase."

Most UK consumers who shop online do take basic precautions to protect themselves from fraud, with 68 per cent now signed up for the MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa programmes. 57 per cent use credit cards for the additional protection they offer, and 86 per cent look for the secure padlock icon on a website before proceeding with a purchase.