Why online shoppers may be declined on some card payments from this Monday

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The online shopping experience is set to the change from next Monday as new measures come into force to protect people from fraud.

From March 14, all retailers must check it is definitely you making the payments before they debit your card. A code will be sent by the bank - usually to your mobile phone - before you go ahead with your online transaction, Chronicle Live reports.

The code must then be entered at checkout to ensure the payment actually goes through.If the retailer is unable to verify the transaction is genuine - or the retailer is not set up to make the payment - then it may be declined.The new measures will be introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FSA) in what they have named the ‘Strong Customer Authentication’.

It is hoped that the new layer of security will help protect shoppers from having their money stolen online. A number of banks have already warned customers that they may be declined by some retailers who are not ready for the changes going through from next Monday.In January, First Direct told current account holders: “As we get closer to the regulatory date, the number of times you’ll notice you’re asked to verify it’s you making the payment will increase.“If the retailer isn’t ready for the new process, there could be times when your card might be declined.” Why are the rules changing?The new checks are aimed at clamping down on bank card fraud, where crooks go on a spending spree using stolen details.What exactly is changing?From Monday, online retailers will be required to verify shoppers’ identities before authorising a payment.A one-time passcode will usually be sent via text message, but most banks offer the option of email or an automated message to your landline if your internet