Apacs said that 50 per cent of online seasonal shoppers use the web more at Christmas than at any other time and as a result it is recommending the use of secure e-commerce solutions to protect themselves from possible fraud.

Research by the organisation found that more and more consumers are turning to the internet, with 85 per cent of shoppers finding the high street too crowded and stressful.

By contrast only six per cent of online shoppers find the experience stressful, which probably explains why online spending on debit and credit cards this Christmas is set to hit £3 billion.

Sandra Quinn, Apacs’ communications director, said: “Research has shown that nearly half of those who shop online do so more at Christmas than any other time, and just over a quarter do about half of their Christmas shopping online.

“We would urge them (consumers) to arm themselves against the fraudsters by signing up where possible to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode for a stress and hassle-free shopping experience this Christmas,” she added.

Earlier this year Apacs figures indicated that overall credit card fraud was dropping, but crime over the internet and other media like telephone was growing by five per cent year-on-year.

For more information about online credit cards, click here.

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