MANY banks now demand extra security procedures when making certain online payments – called “3D secure code.”

Those encountering it for the first time sometimes wonder if it is a scam.

Under the new system, after entering card details, you are redirected to a page asking for extra identification which could include a code agreed with your bank (eg. Le Crédit Lyonnais), your date of birth (used by some branches of the Banque Populaire) or a new code each time sent by text (BNP Paribas).

Sites requiring the new procedures have the logo Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code