A post-Christmas spending survey conducted by Consumer Reports revealed that U.S. consumers spent an average of $811 on gifts during the 2009 season, which was $112 “over budget” based on the results of its pre-Christmas poll. This first survey found that on average, shoppers planned to spend $699 per household on gifts. About one-fifth of respondents ended up spending $1,000 or more on gifts.

Consumer Reports found that overall, 81 percent of consumers purchased gifts, although this figure rose to 94 percent when households earning over $100,000 were factored in. Twenty-six percent of households earning less than $50,000 did not purchase Christmas gifts.

While the risk of being hacked, conned or having sensitive information stolen is possible all through the year, most security experts agree that the holiday season brings a spike in fraudulent activity, both online and off.

CSO compiled a list of twelve dirty tricks to avoid this holiday season (or any time).

Product come-ons

After a day of shopping, you log on to Twitter and ‘tweet’ about how hard it is to find a Zhu Zhu Pet, this season’s hot toy, for your daughter. Soon after, you receive a direct message from another Twitter user offering to sell you one. It’s your lucky day, right?

New top tips for Christmas credit card spending were offered by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) today (December 7th).

The credit industry group said that customers should “keep a clear head” when using plastic to meet festive costs and should always “shop around” for the best deals.

Borrowers were also advised to pay off as much of their card balances as possible in the new year.

Fiona Hoyle, a spokeswoman for the FLA, said: “Christmas can be a tough time, make sure money isn’t one of your worries.