One fifth of Brits experience credit or debit card fraud

The firm’s research has found 18% of Brits have fallen victim to this type of crime despite 74% believing they would not give out details to someone claiming to be from their bank.

This research also found 15% would not do any checks to guarantee a call from their bank was legitimate.

The same percentage would also click through a text link if contacted by someone claiming to be their bank.

“It’s concerning to see how many people have been affected by fraudulent activity, and the variety of different techniques that people are being targeted with,” said Lowell chief executive John Pears.

“It really goes to show that the sophistication with which these cyber criminals operate is increasing all the time – and we all need to be vigilant when it comes to protecting ourselves and vulnerable family members online.”

The firm’s research also found that younger people were most likely to be targeted by criminals.

In the survey, 62% of 16-24 year olds said they had experienced some form of fraud.

Interestingly, significant regional differences were recorded when it comes to which areas of the UK experience the highest fraud.

Cardiff, Birmingham, and London were the three areas with the highest levels of fraud, registering responses of 51%, 50% and 47% respectively.

In contrast, only 15% of people in Southampton had experienced fraud.

Earlier this year, the government published new fraud legislation to tackle online scams and fake investment opportunities.