Click safe. Shop smart

As online shopping becomes ever more convenient, the CyberScotland Partnership (CSP) is urging individuals, families and businesses across Scotland to stay alert to online criminals.

Our latest three-month campaign, Secure Shopping, highlights the most common tricks fraudsters use to target shoppers – from fake links and bogus sellers to social media scams promising deals that don’t exist.

Criminals are quick to exploit busy shopping seasons such as Black Friday and Christmas shopping and everyday buying habits. Whether it’s mimicking trusted retailers, setting up fake websites or luring people with discounts that disappear once money has changed hands, the risks are real. By taking simple steps and staying informed, you can protect your personal details and your wallet while shopping online.

Throughout this quarter, we’ll share practical advice, real-life warnings and straightforward tips to help you and your community shop securely.

Shop smart, not sorry
That must-have gadget at a bargain price might not exist. Fraudsters often set up convincing fake sites or social media ads that disappear once payment is made.
Top tip: Stick to verified platforms and well-known retailers. Look for secure payment options before entering your details.

Pay safe
Paying by credit card or through a secure online payment system gives you stronger protection if something goes wrong. Fraudsters often insist on bank transfers because they are harder to trace and recover.
Top tip: If a seller only accepts bank transfer, walk away.

Spot the signs of a fake site
Look out for spelling mistakes, poor-quality images or suspicious website addresses. Fraudsters often use web addresses that mimic real brands, hoping shoppers won’t notice. Earlier this year, Facebook removed fake adverts for Clarks shoes using addresses like clarkseushop.com instead of the genuine .co.uk.
Top tip: Double-check the URL and, if in doubt, visit the brand’s official site or social media channels.

Guard your password, guard your money
Weak or repeated passwords are easy for criminals to exploit, especially if they manage to access one of your accounts.
Top tip: Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager to keep them safe.

Think before you click
Phishing emails and texts disguised as delivery updates or special offers can trick you into giving away sensitive information.
Top tip: Don’t click on unexpected links. Go directly to the retailer’s official website or app to check orders.

Guest checkout is safer
While creating an account can seem convenient, it increases the amount of personal data stored online.
Top tip: Use guest checkout where possible, limiting the information available if a retailer is targeted by criminals.

Report scams. Protect others.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by an online shopping scam, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or to the National Cyber Security Centre. The more we share, the stronger our collective defence becomes.

Together we can make Scotland more cyber resilient and keep online shopping safe for everyone.

Additional Resources / For Further Reading:

The following websites include additional advice and links to other trusted resources where you can find out more:

Police Scotland

Police Scotland has lots of fantastic resources on internet safety covering a variety of topics, including: