20 October 2005

UK consumers are leading the way with their passion for online shopping, according the new statistics.

A report by RSA Security has shown that on average UK shoppers spent almost £160 online in September.

The average expenditure for last month across Europe and the US was over £50 pounds lower at £103.

However, despite overall improving expenditure, over 15 per cent of those questioned by RSA said they were spending less than they used to.

RSA Security is concerned that the future of online shopping could be threatened by the risk of identity fraud.

Fears or lack of knowledge on the risks of identity theft could put people off using the Internet for shopping.

The survey found that in France and Germany, one in three are unaware of identity theft, compared to the US where nine out of ten know about the risks.

"What concerns me is that, while the industry is working hard to promote best practices and defence measures to our citizens, a high volume remain blissfully unaware of what identity theft is - leaving them exposed to potential exploitation," said Art Coviello, the president and chief executive of RSA Security.

The report also found that consumers on both sides of Atlantic looked to the company's reputation before buying online. They also expect online retailers and banks to be responsible for protecting personal information and providing reimbursement or compensation in case of any data protection problems.

© Adfero Ltd

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