A recent research has revealed that over 315,000 high-street shoppers are at a risk of being a victim of a credit and debit card fraud as they carry out their Christmas shopping this season. It has been estimated that each of these shoppers stand a risk of losing more than 600 Pounds on an average to fraudsters.

Earlier, online shoppers were more at a risk of this kind of fraud, but retail fraud is now being fueled with shoppers returning to streets and outlets, and experts have warned that people are now more susceptible of losing track of their spending.

Online shopping in being rejected by a majority of the British population, with over 65% saying that they will buy at least 50% of the gifts in person, from retail stores. The research, which was carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of international marketing group CPP, of 1,500 adults, has warned that around December 18, the number of stolen cards will hit its peak as last minute shoppers who are stressed handle their cards carelessly.

"Last minute Christmas shopping on the high street is a stressful experience. Stress affects people in many ways, both physically and psychologically. Heart rate and blood pressure rise, and there is an increase in anxiety, distractibility, confusion and forgetfulness, all of which makes people more likely to lose things, such as their bank cards, and be more at risk of theft", said Dr Glenn Wilson, Visiting Professor of Psychology at Gresham College.