Security concerns keep shoppers offline

Half of UK consumers still do not shop online, with most citing fear of credit card fraud as their reason for sticking with high street stores.

In a survey by internet security firm CyberSource, forty one percent of those who don’t shop online confessed that security fears are what keeps them away from Internet retail.

Two thirds (66%) of the 1,000 people polled – including those who do buy from websites – said security is the main concern with shopping online.

The most common source of information about the safety of online shopping is media reports, which focus on cyber crime and the dangers associated with credit card fraud.

Family and friends are also a trusted source, with around a third of those polled saying they know someone who has been a victim of online credit card fraud.

Simon Stokes, managing director of CyberSource, said: “With the abundance of media coverage about security breaches, it is not surprising that some shoppers are frightened off.”

Stokes believes the solution is education – making consumers aware of the websites where it is safe to enter credit card details.

He said: “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.”