Nine out of 10 previous users of contactless mobile payments are likely to use the technology again in the near future, according to eDigitalResearch’s new Mobile Payment Index study.

The survey also found that, of those that have the NFC technology enabled of their smart phone device, 47% have already used it to make a purchase, and a further 27% said they intend to use it more over the next year. Early adopters, predominately young males, are using the technology to purchase smaller to medium-sized items.

However, the results also show a lack of general consumer awareness surrounding contactless mobile payments. Of the 2,000 U.K. consumers surveyed, 33% said that they had not heard of the technology before.

Trust also remains an issue, with over one third (35%) saying that they wouldn’t use contactless mobile payments because of concerns over security and fraud.

Consequently, the report urges service providers to increase consumer awareness and build trust around contactless mobile payments if they expect to see the widespread adoption of NFC technology in 2012 as predicted.

“It’s not surprising that we’re seeing this sort of wariness from consumers,” said Derek Eccleston, head of Research at eDigitalResearch. “Unlike m-commerce, where consumers were driving the change and shopping online via their mobiles well before the first shopping apps, this time around it’s up to retailers and technology providers to push for this next revolution of the market. People need to work together to increase consumer awareness, and in turn, settle fears and tackle key issues, such as security”.