1 August 2006

More UK residents are spending using online auction sites to purchase goods, highlighting the importance of the Internet for consumers.

Some £2.8 billion was spent on online auction websites, while more than half of UK adults made a purchase over the Internet, according to figures from the Association for Payment Clearance Services (Apacs).

Furthermore, 14 per cent of the 34 million adults (4.9 million) who use the Internet made their most recent purchase from an online auction website.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at Apacs, said: "The Internet is now very much part of mainstream culture in the UK and for many people it is the first port of call when looking for certain items to buy."

However, Ms Quinn asserted that consumers must be alert to the threats posed by online criminals and take steps to protect themselves when shopping.

The House of Lords science and technology committee recently launched an investigation into ways of making the Internet a more secure environment.

© Adfero Ltd

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