According to a new AARP study, “already-rampant” shopping scams are likely to increase in frequency with the approach of the holiday season as more criminals attempt to fleece money out of victims.

                By                    David Nadelle

See: 5 Zelle Scams To Look Out for and How To Protect YourselfFind: Beware Text Alert Scams This Holiday Season: 4 Tips To Protect Yourself

In surveying 2,102 Americans aged 18 or older for its report, AARP found that three-quarters of respondents had experienced (or had been targets of) business-impersonation fraud like phony charity requests, online shopping scams and fake order or shipping confirmation swindles.

“You’re going to get more emails and texts for legitimate holiday shopping deals this time of year,” stated AARP fraud expert Kathy Stokes. “But you may get just as many that are scams. And these criminals are so good at what they do, it can be hard to tell the difference.”

More From Your Money: Choose a high-interest saving, checking, CD, or investing account from our list of top banks to start saving today.

Aside from a wealth of information gained pertaining to perceptions and experiences with consumer fraud, the AARP study looked at safe shopping practices and consumer awareness by asking respondents nine true or false questions.

Although the survey indicated that 64% of U.S. consumers strongly agree that increased protection is required from lawmakers, a disconcerting number of Americans lack the knowledge to protect themselves from fraud. The study noted that most respondents, 78%, were unable to answer seven or more fraud-related questions correctly. Here are the results:

As persistent as scammers are, there are ways to defend yourself. Search trusted sites and you’ll find plenty of advice. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation site advises consumers to follow these four protective approaches:

  • Practice good cybersecurity hygiene (don’t click on any suspicious links and avoid giving password or account information).Know who you’re buying from or selling to (verify legitimate websites and seller information, and do your research).Be careful how you pay (never e-transfer money directly to a seller and avoid pre-paid gift card payment).Monitor the shipping process (track your purchases; if selling, authorize the cardholder and be careful of mismatched residence and shipping addresses).