ONLINE shoppers searching for a New Year bargain have been urged to be vigilant in the battle against ID fraud.

The warning comes from Nigel Evans, chair of the all party group on identity fraud and Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, who belie-ves shoppers are at risk.

He said: "What is clear is that at this time of year there are, naturally, more people on-line who could be affected by phishing' scams and this festive time will see a record number of purchases from on-line shopping.

"Phishing is where fraudsters send emails to unsuspecting victims, pretending they are building societies, banks or credit card companies and companies like Paypal.

"They will ask for account details and passwords in order to reactivate suspended accounts. This is a fraud. The email message will look authentic.

"Unless people take greater care they will spend the first few weeks of 2008 trying to get their money and identities back."