As a result, and despite the economic downturn, it is expected that online shopping will be more popular than ever before this Christmas. To raise awareness of the steps consumers should take to help stay safe whilst shopping online, APACS, the UK payments association, is launching a new campaign - Be Card Smart Online - on Monday 20 October.

In recent months there has been a 15 per cent year-on-year growth in online spending, and the indications are that this increase is expected to continue into December¹. Research² undertaken for APACS backs up this prediction, revealing that 42 per cent of online shoppers expect to do more Christmas shopping online this year compared with last year.

To help stay safe online, consumers are urged to follow the simple advice below:

1. Keep your PC protected by ensuring you have the latest operating system, browser and up-to-date anti-virus software.
   
2. Look for the padlock symbol especially if you're buying from a website for the first time. It's a good indication that they are reputable.
   
3. Register your cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode when prompted. It is quick and easy and makes shopping online even safer.
   
4. Always log out after shopping online and save the confirmation e-mail as a record of your order.

Although the above advice sounds like common sense, research shows that not all of us are taking the appropriate steps to protect ourselves from online fraudsters. Only half (48 per cent) of online shoppers say they follow all of this advice on a regular basis. Consumers are encouraged to learn more by visiting www.becardsmart.org.uk.

The UK's banking and retail industries, the international card schemes - Visa and MasterCard - as well as the Home Office are all backing the Be Card Smart Online campaign. Vernon Coaker MP, Policing Minister, says:

"We all have a role to play in helping cardholders sshop safely over the internet and I am pleased to give my support to the banking and retail industries in promoting this initiative. The common sense advice in this campaign will help to inform and reassure, and gives consumers the information they need to play an active role in protecting their personal details."

The campaign begins on 20 October, and will include a series of credit card shaped print advertisements appearing in national and regional press. These will be supported with online banners featuring on selected shopping websites until the end of December.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS, said: "We are expecting to see another increase in online shopping this Christmas, and there is absolutely no reason why customers shouldn't shop in complete confidence. Following the simple advice in our Be Card Smart Online campaign can help minimise the chances of becoming a victim of card fraud - we don't think twice about protecting our card details in the real world, so why treat them any differently online?"