Number of adults shopping online has more than doubled in the last five years, according to Apacs

Christmas shoppers are expected to spend more than £5bn online this Christmas, according to payments association Apacs.

The number of adults buying online has more than doubled in the last five years and is now at almost 30 million.

But web shoppers should be aware of the dangers of fraud, said a spokeswoman for Apacs.

"Simple measures such as protecting your PC with the most up-to-date anti-virus software and registering your card with MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa can provide extra protection when you shop online, " she said.

Apacs estimates that total spending on cards, cash and cheques will reach £53bn in December, an increase of 4.2 per cent from 2006 figures.