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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

Consumers `should be vigilant over online fraud`

06/02/2008

Consumers should ensure that their computer is protected with antivirus software before starting with online banking, an industry expert has claimed.

In order to avoid future debt problems due to credit card fraud, it is essential that the computer used for internet banking is protected by the latest software, APACS, the UK trade association for payments, stated.

Consumers should also be aware of suspicious emails, as major banks and financial institutions will not ask for personal details via email, Mark Bowerman, spokesperson for APACS, said.

Mr Bowerman added: "The fact of the matter is, the reason we have phishing emails in the first place is because criminals find it incredibly difficult to hack into bank systems - so difficult in fact that they`re directing their attentions at the customer [instead]."

According to the Office of Fair Trading, UK consumers lose about £3.5 billion to online scams each year.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according