6 January 2009
Children are exposing their parents to phishing attacks by using their credit card details online, it has been claimed.
According to Michael Lynch, a fraud expert at CPP, one in ten boys make an "illicit" purchase using their mum and dad's credit cards each month.
As well as racking up large bills, they could also be putting their parents at risk of credit card fraud by using potentially unsecure websites.
"They are putting up credit card details and home address details on the internet which can be used by fraudsters, whether it's through phishing attacks to either sell the data or commit fraud using their credit card details," Mr Lynch explained.
According to research carried out by CPP, 23% of children purchase items online without the permission of their parents or guardians.
Furthermore, 9% of children know where their parents keep their online banking details and where on the internet they use them.