Stirling Observer editor Alan Rennie got more than he bargained for when he received his latest credit card bill.

He had been a victim of Internet fraud totalling a value of £2,400 - and has issued a warning for people to be on their guard.

It is a crime that is on the increase, with fraudsters finding more and more ways to cheat people out of their money.

Common methods include using discarded receipts and shopkeepers making a separate imprint of customers' card details. These numbers are then used to purchase items over the phone or the Internet.

Alan was shocked when he heard the news, and told his readers: "Towards the end of the itemised invoice, there were half a dozen items purchased from New York dealers.

"Most were for items well over £100. The Clydesdale Bank rang informing me that they believed I may be the victim of Internet fraud.

"Such fraud is costing hundreds of millions of pounds a year. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. Be on your guard."

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