Internet shoppers have been advised to use their credit cards for online purchases by shopsafe.co.uk.
The online consumer guide claimed that credit cards provide more legal protection and that by signing up to new security schemes run by banks, they can keep their identity safe.
Schemes are being launched allowing shoppers to register their credit cards with their bank and to apply a password that must be used during transactions.
“This protects you against identity fraud and identity theft because the retailer whoever they might be knows that you have that card in your possession and that only you know the password,” said director of shopsafe.co.uk Simon Crisp.
People should also use sites that have been recommended and ensure they print off receipts, he added.
Consumer group Which? recently reported that 69 per cent of Brits will do their shopping for Christmas over the internet this year, in order “to avoid the crowds and compare prices more easily”.