Despite the fact that banks still market VbyV as an optional opt-in system for online shoppers, many banks are keen to add an extra level of security to their online transactions and effectively force users to enrol once they try to avoid this option three times. A similar service is provided by MasterCard under the name of SecureCode. Both these security schemes function using 3D Secure protocol checks and aim not only to cut back on the number of illegal transactions, but also shift liability for fraudulent transactions from merchants towards issuers, banks included. Once prospective shoppers enrol with the VbyV or SecureCode programmes, they are assigned a password based on the verification of the cardholder’s personal details and which they have to produce when making purchases at participating retailers. Cardholders who don’t use their cards for online transactions are advised to sign up for this extra security measure, in order to prevent potential fraudsters from using the basic card details online. However, a series of technical difficulties have arisen, mainly in connection with the validation process itself, which is done by redirecting customers from the vendor’s page to a Verified by Visa enrolment page run by the bank which issued the customer’s card. Reports from clients say that in the event that they do not wish to proceed with the validation process, the issuing bank can interpret this as a sign of fraudulent activity and block the transaction and the card completely.
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