The UK's shoppers are being warned to be on their guard after it emerged that Internet fraud is contributing to a £110 million a year racket.

Fraud on 'card-not-present' purchases, such as Net shopping and over-the-phone sales, has jumped a third in two years to £109.6 million. This accounts for more than a quarter of the UK's annual losses of £411.6 million to credit card fraud.

For instance, one in three people never shred or burn their receipts when they're finished with them, while one in five let others use their credit cards to make purchases.

The main sectors targeted by 'card-not-present' fraudsters include general and electrical, mail order and technology - all high-value goods that can be sold on by crooks.

Sandra Quinn, APACS spokeswoman: "If you let anyone have sight of your card, statements or receipts, you risk becoming a fraud victim. Internet, mail order, phone and fax transactions can offer a tempting target for card criminals." ®