Shop Online Safely this Christmas

NEWS RELEASE

Shop Online Safely this Christmas

Auckland, 18 December 2008 – With more New Zealanders choosing to do their Christmas shopping online [Nielsen Global Online Survey, February 2008 ], Visa is urging cardholders not to be complacent with card security this Christmas.

“Shopping from the comfort of home can be a convenient alternative to crowded shopping malls in the lead up to Christmas,” says Iain Jamieson, Visa Country Manager for New Zealand. “While shoppers can take comfort in the knowledge that the rate of card fraud globally remains low [Global Card Fraud, The Nilson Report, November 2008 ], we advise Kiwis that they can still take some steps to shop online safely.”

Mr Jamieson says there are seven simple steps cardholders can take to protect themselves while shopping online:

1. Make sure your computer has a firewall installed and keep your browser software and anti-virus program updated.

2. Never send payment information by email

3. Shop with retailers you know about, or research them first to ensure they are reputable and reliable

4. Make sure that your card details will be encrypted securely before being sent across the internet – look for an unbroken key or lock at the bottom of your browser window or check the website address, which should begin https:// rather than http://

5. Keep a record of your internet transactions, including the retailer's website address and telephone number.

6. Before buying, read the delivery and return policies that should be on the retailer’s website. Can unsatisfactory items be sent back? If the items are faulty, can you get a refund or a credit note?

7. Use your Visa card and activate Verified by Visa – an easy to use and free password protected service that ensures both you and the online retailer are genuine.

Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards offer multiple layers of security to help prevent, detect and resolve unauthorised use of card information. In the unlikely event that fraud does occur, Visa cardholders in New Zealand will not be held liable for unauthorised charges under Visa’s Zero Liability policy.

Visa encourages cardholders to regularly monitor their statements and quickly notify their financial institution in the event of an unauthorised transaction.

“We need people to contact their financial institution as soon as they realise their card has been lost or stolen so that the card can be cancelled,” says Mr Jamieson.

“It is also important for cardholders to ensure their financial institution has their mobile phone number so they can be contacted should fraud monitoring systems pick up suspicious activity.

“Shopping online is safe, and by following these simple steps, cardholders can help ensure an even safer retail experience,” concludes Mr Jamieson.

For more information visit www.visa.co.nz for the Quick Guide to Safer Shopping which includes a security IQ quiz, as well as information to help protect cardholders from email and phone scams.

ENDS

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