Barclays has issued an urgent warning about shopping scams that are becoming "harder to spot" ahead of this year's Black Friday sales. The bank says one in three UK adults (34%) has been targeted by, lost money to, or known someone who was caught out by a shopping scam, and is urging deal-seekers to check before they pay.
Bargain hunters urged to slow down
Kirsty Adams, fraud and scams expert at Barclays, said: "Black Friday is a great time to grab a bargain, and most of us know scams are out there. But when you're scrolling on the sofa, and a countdown timer starts ticking, or a deal pops up in your feed from an account that looks just like a brand you trust, it's easy to get swept up and pay before you've had a chance to check. No deal is worth rushing for."
"So take a moment before you buy. Go to the retailer's own website or app, and never pay by bank transfer to someone you don't know. If something doesn't feel right, give us a call. Our technology works to spot fraud in under a second, and we've got a team of real people ready to help if you need us."
Distraction increases scam risk
The warning comes as more people admit to letting their guards down online. Fewer than four in 10 (36%) said they would check whether a website is genuine before committing to a purchase. One in five (21%) said they shop online while doing something else, such as watching TV – rising to three in 10 Millennials (31%).
Barclays cautioned that when shoppers are distracted, they are more likely to miss warning signs, such as a misspelt web address or a deal that looks too good to be true. One in seven (15%) said they make no checks at all.
Growing concern among shoppers
Despite this, two in three UK adults (67%) believe there are more shopping scams online now than a year ago, and half (49%) feel more worried about falling victim to a scam than they did 12 months ago.
Barclays shared four tips to help shoppers avoid falling victim to a scam this month. Firstly, it advised Brits to "slow down". Ms Adams explained: "Scammers use countdown timers and 'last chance' offers to rush you. If a deal pushes you to act now, step back and check it first."
Secondly, "pay safely", meaning using a debit or credit card or a trusted payment service. "Never pay by bank transfer to a seller you don't know," Ms Adams said. The banking giant also suggested only opening official sites or apps yourself. Ms Adams said: "Don't click links in texts, emails, ads or social posts. Type in the retailer's web address or use its app."
Finally, the bank urged Brits to talk to someone. Ms Adams said: "If something doesn't feel right, speak to a friend, family member or your bank. If you think you've been scammed, call your bank straight away." Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with retailers worldwide offering special flash deals. This year, it falls on November 27.
