Barclays report suggests 72% of people living in Scotland will do most or all of their Christmas shopping on Black Friday
34% surge in Black Friday shopping scams last year
- 72% of people living in Scotland will do most or all of their Christmas shopping on Black Friday
- 44% of people living in Scotland will do most or all of their Black Friday shopping online
- 56% of people living in Scotland say they plan to spend between £100 and £400 online shopping this Black Friday
- After last year’s Black Friday sales, there was a 34 per cent surge in reported purchase scams, according to new Barclays data.
- Victims lost on average £1,072 to purchase scams during the seasonal shopping period.
New data from Barclays suggests that 72% of people living in Scotland are likely to do all or most of their Christmas shopping on Black Friday with 56% saying they will spend between £100 and £400 on the day.
The figures also reveal that 36% of people living in Scotland will be relying on Black Friday sales more than previous years as they are looking to make savings wherever they can and 31% feel pressure to make purchases as quickly as possible to make sure they get the best deals.
A further 44% plan to do most or all of their Black Friday shopping online this year.
However, the number of reported purchase scams after Black Friday and Cyber Monday across the UK last year rose by 34 per cent, with an average of £1,072 lost to scammers.
Barclays data also shows that the proportion of scams taking place on tech platforms, such as purchase/auctions sites, social media, or dating apps, has increased by 71% since the beginning of 2021. Currently 77% of all scams take place on these platforms, but at the beginning of 2021 it was just 45%.
With the average Brit expected to spend over £200 on shopping during Black Friday this year, Barclays is urging shoppers to take extra care when purchasing things online throughout the sales season.
The Bank’s findings reveal that worryingly, many consumers are changing their normal behaviour on Black Friday when searching for the best deals. Almost a third (32%) across the UK feel pressured to make a purchase as quickly as possible to make sure they get the best deal.
One in five (19%) said they were more likely to take note of a “too good to be true” deal, and a further 17% admitted to shopping on sites they haven’t heard of before if they have particularly good deals or sales.
Ross Martin, Head of Digital Safety at Barclays, said: “Whilst Black Friday is a great way for Brits to save money ahead of the Christmas season, it is important to stay vigilant when making purchases.
“This year more than ever, people will be looking for the best bargains, which could lead them right into the hands of scammers, who will be advertising false offers to lure victims in.
“Just remember – ignore any pressure that is being put on you – and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Barclays is urging buyers to follow these four steps this Black Friday:
- Do your due diligence: Research and read reviews to check the site and the seller are genuine.
- View the item: If you can, view the item in person first to make sure it exists, especially if it’s a big purchase, like a smartphone or even a car.
- Get a second opinion: Always speak to someone you trust for a second opinion, whether it’s a friend, family member, or your bank.
- Be wary of unlikely offers: Many purchase scams offer huge discounts that you wouldn’t normally find at retailers you would normally trust. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For more information, and tips to stay alert from the latest scams, please visit: www.barclays.co.uk/scams/.
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