Credit card fears lead to avoidance of online shopping

It has been claimed in a recent report that many consumers in the UK are avoiding doing any sort of online shopping because they are so wary about becoming a victim of online card fraud. Whilst the Internet provides some great opportunities for consumers to purchase all sorts of goods from around the globe, often at very cheap prices, the fear of fraud means that many are unable to take advantage of the choice and prices offered online.

The results of the survey indicated that over 50 percent of consumers still would not shop online due to fears over security. Out of the one thousand people that were surveyed around 65 percent said that fears over online card security was the main reason that they were wary about shopping online.

One official involved in the research said: “According to survey respondents, the most common source of information about the safety of online shopping is stories in the media, which naturally focus on crimes or losses of credit card information.” He added: “But consumers also rely on friends and family for advice. About a third of survey respondents say that they or someone they know has been a victim of online credit card fraud.”

Another industry expert said: “With the abundance of media coverage about security breaches, it is not surprising that some shoppers are frightened off. 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 realise the convenience, value, and safety of shopping online, I believe we’ll see a higher percentage trying and staying with this form of purchase.”