NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 18 – Visa has advised consumers to exercise caution during the holiday season as online shopping and digital transactions surge.
Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager for Visa East, stressed the need for heightened awareness to avoid falling victim to fraud.
He recommended enabling real-time purchase alerts to quickly identify unauthorized transactions.
Despite growing awareness of digital threats, Visa noted a significant gap between consumer confidence and behavior.
While over half of Kenyan consumers believe they can avoid online scams, 90 percent miss fraud warning signs, highlighting the need for continued education.
Pollock explained that Visa leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and block fraudulent transactions in real time, especially during high-traffic periods like Christmas.
“With the increase in online shopping, we are seeing a rise in fraud tactics, including phishing schemes and one-time passcode bypass methods,” said Pollock.
He also warned of risks in retail environments, including physical theft of payment cards or phones.
Visa’s ‘Stay Secure’ campaign offers tips for safe online transactions, including keeping security software updated, using multi-factor authentication, and avoiding suspicious deals or unconventional payment methods like cryptocurrency and gift cards.
The initiative aims to empower consumers with security tools and build confidence in digital payments, fostering safer online shopping and supporting e-commerce growth during the festive season.
