The survey revealed that internet users are aware of scams such as phishing and Trojan attacks, but they are still overly complacent.

It recommends online banking users to do more to understand the risks and find out what they can do to protect themselves and their computers.

Of the 15.7 million people who regularly use online banking services, 3.8 per cent (around 500,000 people) said they would still respond to an unsolicited email asking them to follow a link and re-enter personal security details – thereby unwittingly giving fraudsters access to their account.

In addition, 35 per cent of respondents record their password or security information by either writing it down or storing it somewhere on their computer, while 62.5 per cent never change their password and one in five use the same password for non-banking websites as well as their online bank.

The survey also found that under 24-year-olds are more susceptible to scam or phishing emails that are apparently from their banks, with more than 12 per cent of them likely to click on the link and divulge account details and security information – three times higher than the national average.

Sandra Quinn, director of corporate communications at Apacs, said: "Clearly it's a concern that so many internet users are still not aware of simple security advice. Everyone needs to do all they can to make life as hard as possible for fraudsters."