Both of these systems required the owner of the credit card to register with the card company first, and store a password against their credit card number. When they make a purchase via the Internet, and submit the payment requisition, a window pops up for them to enter their secret password. This is then verified before the transaction is allowed to proceed.

These security measures have been implemented to protect the customers and the merchants, and CAS recommends that both customers and merchants insist on only using gateway providers that are certified and adhere to safe transaction practices.

Verified by Visa™  and MasterCardSecureCode™ are a new secure and easy to use service, which gives you extra protection when you pay for anything online. These services enhance your existing Visa Card or MasterCard with a personal password of your choice. When you shop at participating online stores, you enter your password in the same way you would enter your PIN at an ATM. It means that only you can use your Visa Card online, giving you the same assurances you have when you use your card in a physical store.

Look out for the online stores that currently offer Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode. More banks and online stores will be participating very soon, to minimise the possibility of fraud and make it safer to purchase goods and services via the Internet.