A number of technology companies and e-retailers have banded together to give shoppers in the US greater peace of mind when ordering parcel deliveries online.

Microsoft, eBay, Citizens Bank and US regulators have created an online fraud alert service, allowing organisations to share data about stolen accounts.

Nancy Anderson, corporate vice-president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft, said that until now there was no easy way for companies to investigate suspected fraud online.

It is hoped that the service will make it simpler for retailers and authorities to track down fraudsters and stop innocent customers from getting conned.

Deputy director of the Federal Trade Commission, Chuck Harwood:

"Internet Fraud Alert is a promising and innovative approach to help financial and online institutions discover hijacked accounts - and close them or inform the affected consumers."