A new report has revealed that about 97,000 Americans fell victim to credit card fraud in the third quarter of 2021.

“Data reveals that 97 thousand Americans were the victims of credit card fraud in 2021 Q3,” a report by Atlas VPN read.

A cyber security firm, Atlas VPN said its analysis was drawn from complaints submitted on the official website of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows U.S. citizens to report cases of identity theft.

The report revealed that credit card fraud was fast becoming one of the most popular means for cybercriminals to make fast money.

Disclosing that The FTC received 263,000 identity theft reports in the third quarter of 2021, the report detailed that more than 37 per cent of the complaints received were cases relating to identity theft concerning credit card fraud.

It explained that credit card fraud was a top choice for cybercriminals because it was less risky than other crimes and is relatively easy to carry out.

“Apart from being less risky than other crimes, credit card fraud is attractive to criminals because it is relatively easy to carry out.

“On top of that, profits are substantial and immediate due to the nature of the crime,” the report added.

Atlas VPN revealed that the majority of Americans that fell victim to credit card fraud were between the ages of 30 to 39, with as many as 27,000 victims.

The report also revealed that those between the ages of 40 to 49 were the second most affected groups with 18,000 victims closely followed by those within the ages of 20 and 29, with 17,000 victims.