UK surfers complacent about fraud

Apacs report shows 29 per cent increase in online and card-not-present fraud

Over six out of 10 Britons believe that internet fraud only happens to other people, according to new research commissioned by MasterCard Europe.

A survey of 1,800 adults revealed that 62 per cent thought that online fraud could not happen to them, and over 40 per cent said that they were not aware whether they had been victims of online fraud or not.

Recent findings from the Association for Payment Clearing Services showed a 29 per cent increase in online and card-not-present fraud, the fastest growing area of card-related fraud.

"It appears from this survey that Britons have a relaxed attitude towards internet fraud," said Brian Morris, head of advanced payments product delivery at MasterCard Europe.

"As a measure of overall fraud online, fraud losses are comparatively low. But we know that, with the amount spent online in Britain set to top £5bn this Christmas, fraudsters will be targeting internet shoppers more and more."

Despite frequent warnings one in 10 of those questioned indicated that they would have no qualms about giving their credit card details to an unidentified third party.

Online buyers in the North East proved the most inept at stopping fraud and suffered the highest losses in the country, an average of £1,300 compared to the national average of £680.

The survey was commissioned at the launch of MasterCard's SecureCode online chip and pin card security system. The system adds a Pin to credit card purchases so that even if someone has the user's card details they cannot complete the purchase.

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