Kits containing bank account details, passport information and credit card numbers are selling for as little as £80, according to an online safety group.

GetSafeOnline.org is warning the public of the need to protect their identities, especially as six out of 10 people manage their finances online.

All this week the Get Safe Online group, which is backed by police, government and banks, will be highlighting preventative measures for staving off ID fraud, such as using security software and firewalls to identify online threats.

GetSafeOnline.org has estimated that internet fraudsters would be able to clear around £14,500 from the average UK worker before moving on to the next victim.

The 2008 Get Safe Online Report shows that nearly half of people in the UK don't update their anti-virus software frequently enough to ensure it remains effective.

Nick Staib, director of GetSafeOnline.org warned of the ancillary problems related to identity fraud.

"If your financial reputation has been compromised through identity theft, this could have an impact on your ability to obtain credit or borrow money in the future," Staib said.

"Even with an explanatory note on your credit record, you may be viewed as 'high risk'," he added.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said it was important that individuals and authorities stayed ahead of sophisticated internet fraudsters.

"That is why we recently announced a new £7m police unit dedicated to tackling cybercrime and clamping down on internet fraud," Campbell said.

www.getsafeonline.org

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