Visa 3-D Secure (3DS) – A Smarter Way to Shop Online

A new chapter in online security is here. Imagine this: you’re shopping online, excited to grab that perfect gift or finally treat yourself to something special. You reach checkout, enter your card details, and… pause. Something feels off. Is this site secure? Will your card be safe?

We’re turning that moment of uncertainty into one of confidence. We’re proud to introduce Visa 3-D Secure (3DS) — a smarter, safer way to shop online. “It might feel like a small interruption, but it’s actually a big step toward keeping your card safe. It’s a new layer of protection for our cardholders during online purchases,” says Grant Garber, Assistant Vice President, Director of Fraud Prevention.

🔐 The Story Behind 3DS

Online shopping has transformed how we live. It’s fast, convenient, and full of possibilities. But with that convenience comes risk. Fraudsters are constantly evolving, and we need to stay one step ahead. And that’s where 3DS comes in. It’s not just another security feature, it’s a proactive shield. When a transaction seems unusual or potentially risky, 3DS steps in. The cardholder receives a quick challenge: a prompt to enter a verification code sent to them. It’s fast, simple, and designed to confirm that the person making the purchase is truly the cardholder.

And here’s the best part: it only activates when needed. Most transactions will flow smoothly, but when something seems off, 3DS quietly steps in to protect.

Why This Matters

• More security: Helps prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Fewer declines: Reduces the chance of your card being mistakenly declined.
• More peace of mind: You can shop with confidence knowing your card is protected.

“This isn’t just about technology, it’s about trust” said Grant Garber. “Less fraud means fewer headaches for our customer. More confidence, means stronger relationships. And that’s the Chesapeake Way.”

Have questions? That’s natural, change always brings curiosity. We’ve equipped your neighborhood banker to help gain clarity and confidence. If you see a charge on your account, get a questionable email, or any other activity that makes you cautious, report it immediately. If it’s regarding your Chesapeake Bank account, you can contact your favorite branch or our Fraud Center, or give our Solution Center a call. If it’s regarding another account or service, you will want to contact the numbers you know and trust to verify it or report it.

Additional Tips To Protect You and Your Money Online

When it comes to online security, there is no such thing as doing too much or being too cautious. Here are some basic tips and practices to keep you and your money safe.

1. Security settings: Most devices and apps have security settings that you can change. Using fingerprints and facial recognition features ensure that you are the user trying to gain access and you won’t have to worry about someone seeing your password over your shoulder.
   
   Note: that you may also have to grant this same access to each app that offers this sign-on method, or you may have to turn it on separately.
   
   In our online banking app, browse to Profile & Settings>> Security Preferences to enable Face/Touch ID.
   
   
2. Sign up for alerts in online banking: In our app, you can set alerts for threshold balances, transactions or login activity, and more. Setting up alerts for all of your payment systems will keep you in the loop about your account even when you aren’t looking at it. This will allow you to report anything suspicious immediately.
   
   In our online banking app, browse to Profile & Settings>> Text Alerts and/or Email & Phone Alerts.
   
   
3. Sign up for ID Theft protection: Theft recovery services are available to all personal checking account holders at no cost, even if the fraud isn’t related to our account. We also offer additional levels of service that you can purchase for greater coverage and proactive monitoring. Should you ever suspect that you are a victim of ID Theft, please contact your branch right away.
   
   
4. Stay up-to-date on the latest threats and trends: You can proactive in learning about trends and scams that are taking place. Here are some of the reputable sources that we follow: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Krebs on Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3, and the Federal Trade Commission.
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Together, we’re making online shopping safer, smarter, and more secure — one transaction at a time.