Study finds Highland region at lower risk from scammers than other areas, but caution is still necessary

Highland shoppers are less likely to be exposed to online shopping scams than residents in other parts of the country, a new survey has revealed.

However, there is no room for complacency, warn online scam specialists, Payback Ltd.

The company analysed ONS data on how much different age groups shop online, and the age of the population in all 32 Scottish councils to pinpoint the areas most at risk of online shopping scams.

The study found that the Highland Council region was among the seven local authorities where shoppers were safest from being exposed to scams. The Scottish Borders is the region least likely to be targeted by scammers, with Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, South Ayrshire, Angus and North Ayrshire also at lower risk.

Scotland's main cities topped the chart of regions most at risk.

Glasgow has the population at the highest risk of online shopping scams activity, with 87.69 per cent of people over 18 in the city set to make purchases online over the course of the year. The council has one of the largest proportions of people aged 25 and 34 years old, who make up just over one-third of the population over 18. ONS figures show that 99 per cent of people in this age group shop online – the highest rate, contributing to Glasgow being the most exposed area to online scams. It was followed by Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Stirling.

However, although Highland was some 25 places lower than Glasgow, Payback Ltd still rated the largest Scottish region as having a scam risk of 82.94 per cent.

A spokesperson from Payback Ltd commented: “It is vital that online shoppers, whether new to online shopping or experienced, stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to online shopping scammers who tend to offer deceitfully attractive deals and use seasonal sales tactics to their advantage.”

For more information on how to avoid scams or claim your money back, go to Payback Ltd.