More than 71 per cent of online shoppers do not know how to tell if ecommerce sites are secure, research shows.

Despite 79 per cent of respondents to the survey from fraud prevention firm ClearCommerce saying they shop online, only 27 per cent were able to identify the padlock as a security icon.

Some 14 per cent said the security measure they relied upon was to use well-known ecommerce firms.

Over half of internet shoppers said they wouldn't know if they were victims of fraud until they received their monthly bank statement.

And a further 16 per cent admitted they did not check accounts regularly and would only realise they were a victim if a significant amount of money was taken.

'Fraudsters try to stay one step ahead, but consumers could help themselves by at least learning how to identify a secure site,' said Alan Smith, ClearCommerce business development director.

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