Online resellers have spoken of the need for unwavering vigilance in tackling card-not-present fraud (CNP) while appealing to credit card companies for more help.

Recent figures released by payment association Apacs found fraud cost the UK £301.7m during the first six months of 2008, a 14 per cent increase on last year. CNP fraud, which includes internet, phone and mail fraud, rose 18 per cent to £161.9m.

Apacs representative Mark Bowerman said: “We are never on a level playing field because the number of online shops is always increasing.”

Bowerman welcomed the recent announcement that the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office will pour £7m of funding into the Police Central E-crime Unit, which is set to open next year.

Barry Dodhia, marketing manager at VAR Hemini, claimed dealing with the problem of CNP fraud was incumbent on credit card firms.

“Online fraud hits us in the pocket,” said Dodhia. “The police have limited resources so credit card companies should bear the brunt of this. Their measures can be half-hearted and need to be more stringent.”

Reseller Printerland sells online, and managing director James Kight claimed more help from card issuers would be appreciated, but stressed the importance of his company’s own rigorous measures.

“We have very strict measures and do full credit checks which, rather than being an obstacle, customers actually like,” he said. “A lot of fraud follows similar patterns; it is all about awareness.”