Question: What is Verified by Visa/MasterCard SecureCode?

Answer: Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode are cardholder verification schemes for Visa and MasterCard credit cards respectively, as well as Maestro. The schemes are a new form of internet shopping security where the cardholder has to enter a special password in order to proceed with their payment.

Question: I'm paying with my bank card; will I still be asked to enter a password?

Answer: Verified by Visa covers both Visa credit cards and Visa Delta debit cards and MasterCard SecureCode covers both MasterCard credit cards and Maestro debit cards.

Question: Is the password I enter the same as my card's PIN?

Answer:No, it's a password that you create when you sign-up to the scheme associated with your card type.

Question: Is the password I enter the same as my Gamestation account password?

Answer: No, it's a password that you create when you sign-up to the scheme associated with your card type.

Question: Will I be able to pay without entering this special password?

Answer:Not all banks are currently participating in the schemes, but because it will soon be mandatory for shopping online, it is only a matter of time before it is standard across all banks and internet stores.

Question: Gamestation save my special password so I don't have to enter it every time I shop?

Answer:No, Gamestation have no knowledge of your special password and it will not be saved in any of our systems. When you participate in the cardholder verification step within our checkout you will be communicating directly with the bank and none of the information exchanged will be visible to Gamestation.

Question: My bank is participating; how do I sign-up to my scheme? Do I have to sign-up now?

Answer: There are two ways you can sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode. Firstly, you can visit your bank's website and follow their instructions. Alternatively, the next time you shop with Gamestation your bank may ask you to sign-up.

Question: What will happen when I sign-up to my scheme?

Answer: You will be asked to enter three pieces of data and your email address. You will then be asked to create the special password. Like all passwords, it is essential that you keep it secret. In addition to a password, you may be asked to create a secret question and an appropriate question response in case you forget your password.

Question: Can I use my PIN as I don't really want another password?

Answer:Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode passwords are what is known as 'strong passwords', requiring a combination of letters and numbers. Because your card's PIN is only made up of numbers it is not possible to use this as your special password.

Question: Does it cost anything to sign-up to my scheme?

Answer: it is free to sign-up and there is no cost each time you are asked to verify yourself during the Gamestation checkout process.

Question: Sounds like too much hassle; what if I don't want to participate?

Answer:If you are unsure about your scheme, or you simply don't want to sign-up, you should contact your bank for more details. However, it is worth bearing in mind that this service is for your benefit as the bank are making sure that nobody can use your card without your special password.

Question: I think I've already signed up but I've forgotten my password. What should I do?

Answer: You have two options. Firstly, you can contact your bank who will be able to assist you with all matters relating to your cardholder verification scheme. Alternatively, next time you shop with Gamestation and you fail to enter the correct password you may be prompted to enter your 'question response'. If you do not remember your 'question response', or you have not created a secret question, you can click a 'forgotten password' link to obtain a new password.

Question: My bank isn't participating; is it still safe to order on Gamestation?

Answer:The introduction of cardholder verification does not affect the security of your shopping experience with Gamestation. We have made no changes to our site other than to allow banks to request cardholder's verify themselves where appropriate. Even if you are not asked to sign-up and enter a special password, your details are still as safe and secure as they have ever been.

Question: What happens if someone else gets hold of my card?

Answer:Once you have signed up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode, if someone steals your card they will not be able to buy something from the internet with websites that also Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode without your special password; this is making shopping safer for you.