In what can be seen as a response to the panic and confusion surrounding the new 3-D Secure Payer Authentication Service, Square Enix has issued additional information to help clear up any questions the community may have about the new service.

The new security feature, which was introduced and implemented on July 29, 2009, utilizes the Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode programs. Read the full story for the details.

Discuss this announcement on the ZAM forums!

We have received a number of questions regarding the newly added security feature on PlayOnline known as the Payer Authentication Service (3-D Secure). We would like to take this opportunity to help clear up certain questions you may have about the new service.

If you are a Visa customer, you can enroll in this service at the Verified By Visa(r) site: www.VerifiedByVisa.com

If you are a MasterCard customer, you can enroll in this service at the MasterCard SecureCode(r) site: www.SecureCode.com

All customers are now required to activate this service before registering a new account or making payment method changes to your current account using the PlayOnline viewer. However, since some credit cards are not eligible for this service, we ask that users that encounter this issue to contact the Information Center for further assistance. Please be sure to check with your credit card company if you are not sure if this service is supported on your card.

If your card is eligible for this service, please be sure to register at the web site before you register for a new account or make payment method changes to a current account through the PlayOnline viewer.

If your card is not eligible for this service, we encourage you to contact the PlayOnline Information Center for further assistance.

* If your credit card is expiring and you do not have a 3-D secure compliant card, we ask that you wait until you receive your new card before contacting the Information Center.

* Please note that if you would like to make a new account for PlayOnline and FINAL FANTASY XI, you must have a 3-D Secure eligible card. If you have purchased the game, have not made a new account, and do not have a 3-D Secure eligible card, please contact the Information Center for a refund of your purchase.

If you have any questions about these new services, we encourage you to visit the above URLs or contact the PlayOnline Information Center at the below times for further assistance.

We apologize of any inconvenience this may cause, but would like to assure you that these security features are being put in place to make your game experience a safer one.

PlayOnline Information Center
https://secure.playonline.com/supportus/index.html
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time