Most people (94%) have a credit card; with over four fifths (86%) saying they have up to four cards. Worryingly, more than half of them (55%) carry all their cards around at once meaning their loss and risk of card fraud is compounded if they were to lose their wallet.

According to APACS, card fraud rose by 25% in the past year, and the Saga study backs this up by also discovering that laissez-faire attitudes to card security are prevalent amongst younger people.

Of those people that have either lost or had credit/debit cards stolen in the past, it is the under 50s that tend to be more blasé. Just over two thirds (66%) say they reported the mishap as soon as they realised the cards were gone, compared to a significantly higher four fifths (78%) of over 50s. Women are generally more careful than men (75% vs 68%).

When it comes to keeping an eye on what happens to their credit cards, a massive 88% of 18-34 year olds do not object if their card is taken out of sight versus only half (45%) of over 55s who would make a fuss if their card was taken way when paying a bill.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga Group Ltd commented: "Our study shows a worrying trend that men and younger people are generally less concerned about fraud than their older counterparts, and are not taking the steps to prevent fraudulent activity. […] Prevention is always better than cure, and we urge everyone to be cautious when using and handing over credit cards to strangers because fraud is on the increase."