Credit cards 'used for internet spending'
01/08/2006
More Brits than ever are using their credit cards on internet auction sites, new research has revealed.
According to UK card association Apacs, 4.9 million adults made their most recent web-purchase at an auction site and more than half of all adults bought at least one item on the internet in 2005.
Throughout 2005, a total of £2.8 billion was spent on auction sites, with 79 million transactions taking place.
Figures show that credit cards made up 49 per cent of all internet spending, compared with the high-street where credit cards account for six per cent of all payments.
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.
"In 2005, for the first time, more than half of all adults made an online purchase, which demonstrates this increasingly important role the internet is playing in the lives of UK consumers."
However, Apacs warned online consumers to be aware of the threat of internet criminals, urging them to shop at secure websites and use their credit cards vigilantly.
Last week, the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, voiced concerns over the lack of means UK consumers have for reporting internet fraud.
According to UK card association Apacs, 4.9 million adults made their most recent web-purchase at an auction site and more than half of all adults bought at least one item on the internet in 2005.
Throughout 2005, a total of £2.8 billion was spent on auction sites, with 79 million transactions taking place.
Figures show that credit cards made up 49 per cent of all internet spending, compared with the high-street where credit cards account for six per cent of all payments.
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.
"In 2005, for the first time, more than half of all adults made an online purchase, which demonstrates this increasingly important role the internet is playing in the lives of UK consumers."
However, Apacs warned online consumers to be aware of the threat of internet criminals, urging them to shop at secure websites and use their credit cards vigilantly.
Last week, the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, voiced concerns over the lack of means UK consumers have for reporting internet fraud.
