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 | | Thursday, 29 November, 2001, 05:20 GMT Online shopping 'safer than high street'  One in four people polled had bought on the internet The government launches campaign to boost internet shopping as a survey suggests there is less fraud on the net than in the high street. The results from the poll by the Department of Trade and Industry coincide with the launch of a government campaign on Thursday to reassure public fears about online shopping. The initiative aims to raise awareness of common sense guidelines which it says should prevent shoppers becoming the victim of internet fraud. The DTI survey, conducted by MORI, appears to quash the misconception that fraud is more prevalent on the internet. Online fraud affected 2% of shoppers, compared to 3% on the high street. Worried The poll also showed that 26% of people questioned had bought something on-line within the past 12 months, suggesting Britain is one of the leading online shopping nations. But the Mori poll also found that 47% said they were concerned about credit card fraud and 32% were worried about giving personal information. The new campaign includes a number of tips for safe internet shopping.
Consumer minister Melanie Johnson said following these steps should ensure shopping over the internet is as safe as in the high street. "We know that some consumers are reluctant to use the internet, for example because of concerns about credit card security and their rights when buying online. "This is why we have developed `top tips' to help consumers - and these should be particularly useful in the run-up to Christmas."
Analysts predicted yesterday that internet fraud will cost at least �50m this Christmas. Fraud prevention firm Experian said criminals were increasingly using credit and debit card details to order items over the internet or the telephone knowing they are virtually untraceable. The cost to retailers was �57m in the year up to March this year, an increase of 94% on the previous 12 months, according to an Experian report. The guidance on safe shopping is published in a new section on the Government's Consumer Gateway website, and it is also available in a leaflet available in Citizens' Advice Bureaux, libraries and at local authorities. | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top UK stories now:  Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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