Women most at risk from online fraud

Women are more likely than men to be caught out by fraudsters when they shop online this Christmas, figures have suggested.

Spending online is expected to be 14 per cent higher than last year, but less than 10 per cent of women aged 26-35 protect their computers with up-to-date anti-virus software, leaving them vulnerable.

Prevention measures have helped cut card fraud losses by 40 per cent over the past two years, according to the National Fraud Authority. And the UK Cards Association, which predicts £7.75 billion will be spent online in December, has relaunched its Be Card Smart Online campaign targeting female shoppers.