Barclays warns Scotland faces most fraudulent online Christmas ever

With fraud and scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, and with record numbers getting ready to do their Christmas shopping online, Barclays is warning of a perfect storm for seasonal online theft.

The research found that almost two thirds (60 per cent) of Scots worry about their credit or debit card details being stolen, whilst a similar number (59 per cent) have concerns over their bank account being hacked whilst Christmas shopping online.

More than a quarter (26 per cent) of online scams in the UK happen over the Christmas period, costing victims on average £8932 – over twice the average Christmas budget for presents, food, drink and entertainment3 and equating to an eye-watering £1.3bn across the country.

The bank said Scots are in danger of losing the war with fraudsters this Christmas because they don’t know how to protect their data and stay safe online.

A third (36 per cent) of online shoppers across Scotland told Barclays researchers they either don’t know, or aren’t sure, how to identify a secure website when shopping online.

A fifth of Scots (21 per cent) admitted to having fallen victim to an online scam or fraud. Of those, almost a third (31 per cent) were buying from a website that is well-known, and over a fifth (22 per cent) ordered from a website that they regularly purchase from, highlighting the need to be vigilant at all times.

A quarter (26 per cent) of fraud victims felt that it was just ‘bad luck’ that they were caught out, yet only 24 per cent were aware that they should check for the padlock authentication symbol on the payment page. Just one fifth (22 per cent) knew to ensure that the web address started with ‘https’.

With the average scam costing Edinburgh shoppers £394, over £60 more (£331) than their Glaswegian neighbours, Scots need to ensure they are aware of the warning signs if they don’t want to be out of pocket this Christmas.

And shoppers aren’t the only ones being stung by festive fraudsters.

With one in 20 (5 per cent) UK shoppers who have fallen victim to a scam stopping shopping online altogether, online retailers could be losing out on up to £72m worth of lost revenue.

Samantha White, who leads Barclays’ work to keep customers safe from fraudsters, said: “While families across the UK are preparing to enjoy the festive season, criminals are getting ready to pounce on anyone who lets their guard down. Buying your gifts online may be more convenient, but with Christmas 2017 set to be the most fraudulent on record, online shoppers must be more vigilant than ever. Beat the fraudsters by looking out for the typical warning signs such as the padlock symbol on retailers’ websites.”