Polcard's encrypted messages to make buying online with credit cards safer

Clearing company PolCard is making sure buying on the internet is safer for Polish credit-card users. "We supply a specially-coded connection between the buyer and the clearing company without involving the retailer," said PolCard head Elzbieta Kuzio. In the new system, purchases will begin the moment the client chooses a product. The retailer's server connects with PolCard, which then gives the customer a form to fill in, where all personal credit-card information is entered. This information is encrypted and PolCard then authorizes the transaction. So far, PolCard has signed only one contract with Onet, but it is talking to other e-commerce companies. For the time being, PolCard will only authorize transactions using Visa, Europay, MasterCard, Diners Club, JBC, PolCard, and PBK Styl. In October, it will also accept Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) card transactions. PolCard is not yet taking responsibility for transactions involving counterfeited or stolen credit cards. Surveys show 5.6 million Poles have access to the internet and 40% of them say they are interested in using the internet for shopping. (Puls Biznesu, page 8; Gazeta Wyborcza, page 29) J.K.