Secure Online Shopping Can Be Simple – MasterCard

Secure Online Shopping Can Be Simple – MasterCard

MasterCard is encouraging Kiwis to take simple steps to protect themselves when shopping online as Connect Smart Week launches today.

Connect Smart is a Government-led initiative that promotes better digital security for individuals, businesses and schools. The theme for this year is cyber security made simple and the week runs from 22 – 26 June 2015.

“Cyber security can seem like a daunting task, but in fact there are a lot of simple steps consumers can take to protect themselves. As Kiwis increasingly shop online, they should remain alert, especially when they are sharing personal information,” says Peter Chisnall, Country Manager for MasterCard New Zealand.

“There are some easy steps consumers can take to protect themselves, like making sure they don’t use the same password for everything and checking out the legitimacy of a website before they give away their credit card details.”

Another way to ensure your details remain securely stored is using a connected digital wallet like MasterPass, which ensures online transactions are safe and convenient. A digital wallet is a cloud-based payment form that can be used on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Once set up, the user’s credit, debit or prepaid card information is securely stored in one location, simplifying the process of completing a transaction by removing the need to enter payment and delivery details every time a purchase is made.

“Using MasterPass means customers can just store their payment and shipping details securely in one place, preventing customers from having to share the information with multiple retailers across the world,” says Chisnall.

“Paying by credit or debit card also provides MasterCard customers with the added benefit of being covered against unauthorised transactions. Our customers are covered by our Zero Liability policy, with their bank providing reimbursement if your card was stolen or misused*,” adds Chisnall.

Anyone who thinks their credit or debit card details have been stolen or scammed should contact their bank immediately.

More simple tips from MasterCard for customers to reduce their exposure to risk to ensure a safe and hassle-free online shopping experience are included below.

Simple steps for safer online shopping from MasterCard

1. Pay using a digital payment option. MasterPass eliminates the need to enter detailed payment and shipping information with every purchase, as well as simplifies and speeds up the process of completing a transaction from any connected device.
2. Guard your privacy and do not disclose personal information unless you know who is collecting it and how it is being used. Some websites sell their customer information to third parties, so check the small print and opt out of sharing your information if you don’t want other people to use it.

3. It’s not difficult to set up a page on the Internet, so the onus is on you to do some background research on the retailer you are buying from, especially if they are not a familiar brand name or you have not come across their website before.

4. Use a secure browser as it encrypts the purchase information you send over the Internet, making the transaction more secure. The majority of browsers do this as standard.
5. Ensure you have anti-virus software loaded on all your devices, including your PC, tablet and smartphone and regularly download security updates. Most of us have updated software for our computers but rarely ever for our smart devices.

6. Making purchases using a credit or debit card is often safer as liability for unauthorised charges is limited. As a customer, it’s your responsibility to inform your financial institution if you become aware of or see an unauthorised transaction on your card, or if your card is lost and stolen. Unauthorised transactions are normally covered under MasterCard’s Zero Liability policy, with your bank reimbursing you for any unauthorised transaction.*

7. Many financial providers also put an extra level of security on online purchases which protects the cardholder’s confidential information. This is usually done by submitting an additional password known only to the cardholder, for example with MasterCard SecureCode. It provides enhanced protection against the risk of credit or debit account numbers being accessed by fraudsters in cyber space, taking online security to a whole new level.

8. It is important to keep records of transactions and payments online. Remember to check the payment details before submitting the final payment; check the returns policy and data protection cover. Finally, print out a copy of the transaction, get a copy emailed directly to you, and make sure that the amount matches on your statement at the end of the month.

ENDS

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