Online social networking sites are increasing the chances of identity theft, according to a recent report.
A study undertaken by Webroot involving 3,000 UK home computers found that the rise in popularity of networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook among youngsters is putting parents at risk of online fraud.
According to the research, around 82 per cent of teenagers and young adults said they visit social networking sites frequently, while 92 per cent said they browse the internet.
Signing up for new accounts, instant messaging or downloading music and other files is making computers vulnerable to external threats and viruses.
But the survey showed that respondents aged between 18 and 24 are the least concerned about these forms of attack.
Peter Watkins, CEO of Webroot Software, said: "This survey highlights the need for parents to be ever-vigilant in monitoring the activity taking place on their home PC.
"Online socialising has rapidly become the new way to network and make friends, yet it is also one of the easier ways to become a victim of malware."
He added: "Just as the internet's social explosion has revolutionised communication and interaction, so too has it revolutionised criminal activity."
The warning comes as research from the Association for Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) revealed that, while overall card fraud was down since the launch of chip and pin services, internet fraud was up.
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