Internet users who have experienced online fraud lost an average of £875 each over the past 12 months, according to research by the government and industry online safety campaign Get Safe Online.

The survey of UK internet adult users – who number 29 million – found that 12 per cent, almost 3.5 million people, have experienced online fraud in the last year. 

In that time, six per cent of all internet users (1.7 million people) suffered fraud while shopping online, five per cent (1.5 million) experienced another form of general online fraud and four per cent (1.2 million) were subject to bank account or credit card fraud as a result of activity online (some users experienced more than one of these).

Pat McFadden, Minister with responsibility for Transformational Government, says that as more services become available online users need to take the same basic precautions when using the internet and regard online safety as seriously as their security in the real world.

'This survey shows that although the internet offers great opportunities for people to carry out their business when and how they like, people must also take care if we are to stop criminals abusing greater popular use of the net,' he said.

UK internet activity has also risen dramatically. The report found that 93 per cent of internet users now use the web daily and on average we each spend £1,044 a year buying goods and services online – the equivalent to £30bn for the UK online population.

But fewer than half (48 per cent) of internet users feel they are responsible for their own online safety.  One-in-six (16 per cent) believe their bank is wholly responsible for their online protection, whilst 13 per cent feel that it is up to their internet service provider. 

When asked which two things they take most care to protect, internet users say they look after their credit/ bank cards and their wallets first and foremost (56 per cent and 42 per cent respectively).  Just nine per cent take most care to protect their web site password and one per cent their email address.