Barclays warns Scottish shoppers of Black Friday scammers

Scottish people are at risk, with Barclays research showing that two fifths (41 per cent) have saved up throughout the year for the event, and almost one quarter (23 per cent) plan to purchase high cost electrical items such as a TV or laptop.

This is despite 41 per cent stating that they have concerns about being scammed on the day.

In doing so, Scottish shoppers of all ages are overlooking the scam warning signs – more than half (56 per cent) would make a purchase with a company that doesn’t request delivery details, and nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) would be comfortable using an unfamiliar website.

Throughout the year, Scottish shoppers take on average 3 hours to buy a piece of clothing. On Black Friday, a third (33 per cent) take under five minutes to splash the cash.

So, while the big events in the shopping calendar offer a great chance for savvy shoppers to get their hands on a great deal, it also presents scammers with a golden opportunity to make a quick buck. Shopping scams, where the victim pays in advance for goods never received, make up a staggering 78 per cent of all reported scam cases in the UK.

Across the country, almost two-thirds (59 per cent) of high value shopping scams result in a loss of £2000 or more, equating to more than the UK’s average monthly salary, with one in five (21 per cent) resulting in losses of more than £5000.

To help Brits stay vigilant, Barclays is calling on the half of (48 per cent) Scottish shoppers planning to splash the cash this Black Friday and Cyber Monday to take greater care when making their purchases.