Saturday, November 1, 2008

Protecting your visa credit card with 'Verified by Visa

By Henry Goode

In 2001 Visa introduced a new security system for the benefit or their customers in attempt to combat online credit card fraud and provide a greater degree of reassurance when shopping online. Even though it is now well established a surprising number of people may not have heard of it or have only become aware of it in the last year or so. Widely used by online merchants, this new security system is called 'Verified by Visa' and is based upon technology developed by Visa themselves called 3-D Secure.

There are two ways to sign up to 'Verified by Visa'. The first, and by far the most common way, is to be redirected to the system whilst making an online purchase. The system will realise that you have not previously signed up and will ask you for some details. You will be asked to devise a password for use with the system and to come up with a personal message. The second way of signing up is to visit your card provider's website. On your card provider's website you should be able to find information on the 'Verified by Visa' system as well as being able to register. You will be asked for the same information that you would be if you were redirected from an online store.

Once you have signed up you can take advantage of the service and be safe in the knowledge that your online card transactions are now more secure. Although not all online merchants use 'Verified by Visa' it is becoming more and more commonplace. It is estimated that 1 in 4 transactions in UK and throughout Europe are now 'Verified by Visa'. When you make an online purchase you will be asked for your personal password and your card's Security Code; this code is found on the back of your card.

One in four purchases made online are now 'Verified by Visa', with more online vendors signing up each day, so it is increasingly likely that you will be redirected to the system when you make a purchase. Once you have signed up you simply need to enter your password. Sometimes you will also be asked for your card's Security Code, which is the 3 digit code on the back of the card. Once your details have been authenticated you will be able to continue with your purchases.

What makes 'Verified for Visa' even better, aside from how simple it is to register and use, is the fact that it is free. This service is offer to Visa cardholders at no extra cost. It is part of Visa's responsibility to its customer to ensure that their transactions are as secure as possible and therefore there is no charge. You do not need to apply for a new card to use the system, as your card does not need to be scanned. Finally no software needs to be installed onto your PC in order to use the 'Verified by Visa' application.

Safe and easy to use, Verified by Visa is having a big impact on the fight against online credit card fraud. When you are given the opportunity it is recommended that you sign up in order to make your online shopping more secure and enjoy greater peace of mind when using the Internet to buy goods and services.

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