60% would avoid using NFC with safety and security fears being top reason

Most consumers say they are in the dark about near field communications, and 60% would avoid paying for goods and services via their mobile even if they were able, research from VoucherCodes.co.uk has found.The research also found that 17% are interested, but are worried about the technology working.The survey of 2,000 British adults found that 36% worry about the security of the technology, with 30% of respondents considering Visa the safest, while Paypal was viewed as the safest by 20% and MasterCard by 18%.It was found that 55% were not able to name a single mobile payment brand.Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “Mobile payment systems are a hugely exciting prospect for the retail sector and the possibilities this technology brings in terms of marketing and customer acquisition are limitless. While the adoption of mobile payments is very much dependent on UK retailers investing in NFC enabled point of sales technology, providers of NFC enabled services need to start engaging with consumers to familiarise them with this payment model. “With NFC and other mobile payment systems still very much on the fringe in the UK, it’s no surprise to learn that most people are confused and a little wary about adopting the technology. However while low levels of awareness are clearly a challenge for service providers, they also represents a massive opportunity for brands to win the trust of consumers and cement their position in this increasingly competitive space.”VoucherCodes has created an infographic which it holds will clear up NFC for some.