Shoppers' bank details could be unintentionally passed on to other establishments by retailers, according to the Information Commission.

Consumers who made transactions on a number of online companies' websites claimed to be unaware they were consenting to sign up for discount offers, when hitting particular links.

Customers discovered the incidents when as much as 99 pounds was charged to their accounts, as third parties presumed certain services were being consented to.

However the businesses accused of this, refute being party to the incidents, and stated customers who complained got their money back.

The Deputy Information Commissioner, David Smith, has warned such companies that it is not enough to just put their intentions, in the small print.

However, he was keen to add that consumers should not go onto websites with their eyes closed.