Internet users warier than they used to be

updated 6:00 p.m. ET Oct. 26, 2005

WASHINGTON - As identity theft has grown, so has fear of being victimized through high-tech means. A new study finds some computer users are cutting back on time spent surfing the Internet. Some have also stopped buying altogether on the Web.

The report from Consumer Reports WebWatch finds nearly a third of those surveyed say they've reduced their overall Web site use.

Some 80 percent of Internet users say they're at least somewhat concerned someone could steal their identity from personal information on the Internet. A majority of users asked say they've stopped giving out personal information on the Web and a quarter say they've stopped buying online.

The survey was of 1,500 U.S. Web users aged 18 and older.

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