Customers will soon have to use their phones to verify online credit or debit card transactions as banks begin to phase out the 'Verified by Visa' identification system.

Whereas before online shoppers would be asked to enter characters from a 'Verified by Visa' password, now a single use identification code will be sent directly to their mobiles via text to complete transactions.

For some customers with unreliable phone signal, this is an unwelcome change resulting in some shoppers abandoning purchases if the text messages are not received due to poor network service.

More worryingly, however, security experts have said that using mobile phone communication is the least secure option for avoiding fraud or cyber-crime. Equally, the same security experts have encouraged the use of 'two-factor identification' when purchasing online. 

Why has the change taken place?

Despite worries over the new changes, it is a better option to have extra security in place. The new measures are being used to introduce better 'two-factor identification', whereby a second layer of security (such as a single use passcode sent to your phone) is used to create extra protection against fraudsters or cyber-criminals. It means that an individual needs two different types of information from a user before a transaction can be completed.

The new security measures are due to roll out September 2019, regardless of your card scheme.