A report, penned by Javelin Reasearch for the US Better Business Bureau, said that most ID fraud was still carried out by thieves using lost or stolen wallets or cheque books.

Computer crimes make up just 12 per cent of all identity fraud cases, the report said. Of those 12 per cent, more than half are attributed to spyware.

The study also found that those who access their bank accounts on-line can detect identity theft earlier and thus minimise losses. The study says that identity fraud is often committed by a friend, relative, in-home employee or someone else known by the victim.

Before we think we can relax, it is worthwhile to point out that 12 per cent is actually quite a high percentage when you take into account how much ordinary fraud is committed offline.

Also the study was sponsored by CheckFree, Visa USA and Wells Fargo Bank three companies that promote online banking and other services and want you to feel safe. µ