A recent study from Google and IPSOS Research found that despite only being in the market a short time, 37 percent of Australians own a smartphone, and the number is expected to grow by more than 50 percent by the end of 2011

A recent study from AVG looked at online and mobile consumer behaviour across the 5 mainland capital cities in Australia to see what locations are most likely to be victimized by online fraud or data loss.

Having separately announced in May that they will offer digital wallets that store credit card information for mobile payments, both Google and Visa are competing for consumers.

If there is one concern that still makes some companies hesitant about adopting ecommerce as a central part of their business, it is security.

In a recent Practical Ecommerce report, payments expert Phil Hinke claimed that many merchants could use more information about the process of accepting credit and debit card payments.

News.com reported that a group of 50 Australian citizens have been selected to test mobile phones activated with digital wallets and processing online payments. The devices will work as credit cards during the month-long trial.

In a dual effort to upgrade its costumers' credit card security and regain a hold of the prepaid debit market, MasterCard Australia has introduced two new safety features, according to Computer World.

The importance of never revealing credit card information over the phone was highlighted recently by an incident in which a Port Macquarie man said someone attempted to defraud him, according to the Port Macquarie News.

A fake charity is asking for donations to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Christchurch, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

A telephone scam currently targeting some Australians serves as a reminder that it's never a good idea to divulge credit card information online or offline if one isn't sure who is asking, according to the Queensland Police Service.