Two schemes that help prevent credit card fraud on the internet have won praise.
Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code were hailed by the Association of Payment and Clearing Services (APACS), which encouraged more people to sign up to the schemes.
More than 10 million credit and debit cards in the UK are registered with secure online payment systems such as these. Details of how to register new cards can be found on the websites of the card issuer and the APACS website.
"The industry has worked hard to provide practical solutions to fight online shopping fraud and we are calling on those cardholders not yet signed up to do so and take the appropriate security measures when shopping online," said Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS.
The government joined APACS in praising the schemes and called on more people to sign up.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "Shopping online is convenient for consumers and retailers alike, but although the internet offers valuable opportunities for law abiding citizens it also presents opportunities for fraudsters.
"The key to tackling online fraud is prevention, which is why the Government supports industry initiatives such as Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode, which are designed to make online transactions even more secure," Coaker continued.
www.apacs.org.uk