Online credit card fraud against small businesses

24 February 2005

The Australian Government today released the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Research and public policy paper no. 60.

Kate Charlton and Natalie Taylor

While the online retailing environment has provided businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to expand and improve their profits, it has also increased the vulnerability of businesses to online credit card fraud. This report presents findings of an empirical study of the risks faced by Australian small businesses when they trade online. As well as examining the prevalence of online credit card fraud, the report considers strategies that businesses can adopt to reduce the risk of online credit card fraud. The findings of the study are intended to be of use to businesses that are currently retailing online, or contemplating online trade, as well as a resource for policy-makers and researchers.