Ukash Vouchers Increase Online Safety

By | Saturday, 8 August 2009

Reported at: www.eTailToday.com.au

Ukash has partnered with epay Australia to launch its Ukash vouchers, which allow consumers to shop and pay online using cash, rather than credit cards.

Based in the UK, Ukash's epay deal will allow users to exchange cash in store and receive Ukash vouchers in Australian dollar amounts of $10, $20, $50, $100, $200 and $500 with a unique code for users to provide when paying.

The anonymity of buying and spending Ukash means no financial details are required from the consumer, and people can shop online without worrying about the continued risk of online identity theft.

One of the major benefits of using Ukash is that you do not have to have access to a bank account or credit card to shop online.

Ukash will be available to consumers across Australia from 3,600 epay retailers, including petrol stations and convenience stores. This will complement the Ukash Online solution, which allows consumers in Australia to purchase Ukash online directly from their bank account through all major banks - a secure online issuance function which provides comprehensive authentication and verification technology to online consumers.

Mark Chirnside, Ukash CEO, said Ukash was embarking on a period of international expansion.

"By opening up internet shopping to the cash market Ukash allows those without bank accounts or credit cards, or those who have fears of online fraud, to shop securely online using cash.

"We are excited by our move into the Australian market, which we believe will be another strategic success for our company and we are looking forward to working with retailers here to help them develop valuable new revenue streams."

In September 2008 Ukash received additional funding from South Africa's giant Blue Label Telecoms, part-owned by Microsoft. Ukash has trebled in size over the last 12 months and by 2010 it will be issuing Ukash vouchers across all five continents.