A research has revealed an astonishing and alarming fact that cyber criminals are buying Facebook profiles for just 89p as online crime rises around the Christmas period.

It has been informed by the internet security company, Trend Micro that during the shopping period between September and December 2007, there was a rise in cyber attacks and a similar trend can be expected for 2008.

During Christmas, online shopping activity is higher than normal, and the company fears that criminals are more likely to strike around this time.

By selling details such as e-mail addresses, names and dates of birth, all of which are often easily available on Facebook profiles, the cyber criminals make good profit for themselves.

The research claims that bank details sell for £35 and credit card details for £25.

The users are advised by the company to look for a padlock symbol in the bottom right hand corner of the site and use social networking privacy settings, protection software and to vary passwords, in order to avoid their information from getting stolen.