More people are turning to the internet to beat the Christmas rush but they remain wary of buying online.

The survey of more than 4,000 people, conducted by pollsters Mori, showed confidence was growing among online shoppers.

But security concerns were preventing more people from spending their money online.

Reasons included worries about credit card fraud, giving personal information and whether a company was genuine.

To help counter these fears, the Government has launched a new phase of its e-commerce programme.

This includes advice on safe internet shopping through the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) web site, improving international co-operation against online scams and working in partnership with industry and consumer groups.

Consumer minister Melanie Johnson said: "Shopping on the internet can safe if you follow a few simple rules.

"Our research showed consumers had greater confidence in the safety online shopping than a year ago.

"Our checklist for safe internet shopping aims to help dispel lingering fears."

The advice includes:

Use sites you know and trust
recommended ones Get the supplier's phone number and
postal address Keep copies of all emails and order
forms Check your cooling-off rights (the
time you have to change your mind and cancel your order)

Remember the law protects you
against credit card fraud Further advice is available online the Consumer Gateway, a one- stop service run by the DTI.

The new programme also includes funding the UK end of the European extra-judicial network, which facilitates cross-border redress to improve international co-operation against scams.

The Mori research also revealed that, after purchases made on holiday, the internet is the most common way of buying things direct from abroad, ahead of business and shopping trips and telephone ordering.

The research showed the favourite countries for buying on the internet were the United States, France and Spain.

European online sales this Christmas are set to beat all records, according to US research company, Forrester.

It predicts online retail sales will total £4.8 billion, up 86 per cent on last year.

It also says the UK will spend 2.6 billion in November and December.

www.dti.gov.uk
www.mori.com
www.consumer.gov.uk
www.forrester.com