No online shopping until you receive security text

ONLINE shoppers could be forced to wait for a text message before making a purchase under plans being considered by ministers to stamp out credit card fraud.

The Home Office is looking at a scheme to prevent card details being swiped by criminals – a crime that affects a million people every year.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said she was “excited” by the plans which could involve a twostep verification scheme similar to the one used to access emails.

Another method could involve new cards being issued with an electronic panel on the back displaying random three-digit codes in place of the current CVV number, which shoppers would enter online in order to check out.

Mastercard is working with ministers on the plans, the Home Secretary said, although the scheme is still in the early stages.

Addressing the Home Affairs select committee, Ms Rudd said: “If we get it right … it could reduce the number of crimes by one million. That could be a real win in terms of protecting people.”

The Government has come under pressure for failing to do enough. Sir Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: “For too long online fraud has been overlooked by Government, law enforcement and industry. It is now the most commonly experienced crime in England and Wales and demands an urgent response.”