Online shopping boom forecast

A major increase in the amount of money spent online has been forecast for next month by the UK’s payment association Apacs.

The organisation is convinced that some £5 billion will be spent via the internet over the course of December 2007, which for many people will mean adding to their personal loan or credit card debts.

Since 2002, the amount of money being spent online has almost doubled, Apacs reports, noting that the increasing prevalence of the practice heightens the risk to consumers of falling victim to fraudsters.

“More and more of us are buying our Christmas presents online and the evidence suggests we like to do so about three weeks before the big day to ensure they are delivered on time,” said Sandra Quinn, director of communications at Apacs.

“The internet allows us to take the stress out of Christmas shopping, but it’s important that people take steps to protect themselves.”

Earlier this year, Apacs launched a guide designed to help parents advise their children on how to avoid unmanageable credit card debt.