Written by Duncan Paul, Glasgow

It was a cold January evening in Glasgow when my mum called me sounding panicked. She had just bought a lovely pair of winter boots online from a site she found through a Facebook ad. The boots were priced at half of what she would normally pay on the high street so she thought she’d found a bargain. But weeks went by and the boots never arrived. She tried emailing the seller and the address bounced back. That’s when we realised she had fallen victim to one of the many online shopping scams in Glasgow.

Sadly, this isn’t an unusual story. As more of us shop online for everything from groceries to gadgets, scammers are also getting smarter. That’s why I’ve put together these top 7 safe online shopping tips for Glasgow residents in 2025 so you can enjoy the convenience of e-commerce without falling into a trap.

1. Stick to Trusted Websites and Apps

The important rule you should always follow is to shop only from websites you know and trust. Look for big brands like Amazon, John Lewis, or ASOS. These platforms have strong buyer protection and secure payment systems.

If you’re buying from a smaller seller or local shop, then always make sure their website uses HTTPS as it keeps the data encrypted(safe). You can see a small padlock icon in the browser bar, and this means the site encrypts your data while you visiting the website or shop.

Always stay cautious of fake websites in Glasgow. You can easily detect fake sites by checking the spelling in the web address. Scammers often create copycat sites that look nearly the same as the real ones but with very tiny differences in the domain name, like amaz0n.co.uk instead of amazon.co.uk.

2. Use Secure Payment Methods

When shopping online, it’s best to pay with your credit card or use trusted apps like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. They help keep your money safe and can help you out if something goes wrong with the payment.

Never send money by bank transfer or use crypto – that’s risky business. Once your money ends up with a scammer, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.

If you have spent over a hundred pounds on your credit card and you are covered by Section 75 of the UK’s Consumer Credit Act. That means you can ask your card provider for a refund, even if the seller disappears.

3. Look Out for Red Flags and Unrealistic Deals

Scam-free shopping tips always include using common sense. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers prey on people who are looking for discounts and limited-time offers. Watch out for:

• Prices that are significantly lower than on other sites
  
  
• Poor grammar or spelling in product descriptions
  
  
• Sellers are pushing you to act fast or pay via non-traceable methods
  
  

A simple search of the site name followed by “scam” or “reviews” can often save you from trouble.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many of us keep using old passwords and forget to update them regularly. That’s why Glasgow cyber safety experts always recommend using 2FA.

Most e-commerce websites and payment apps have features like 2FA. This feature adds an extra layer to your login process, like receiving a code via text or email before logging into your account, which makes it harder for hackers to get into your account.

Turn this on for your Amazon, eBay, and PayPal accounts. It takes just a few minutes and adds a solid layer of protection.

5. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

Picture this, you’re sitting in a café on Buchanan Street and browsing for a last-minute birthday gift. The café offers free Wi-Fi so you decide to do a quick online order. This is risky because public Wi-Fi is not secure to use.

Hackers can easily steal your info on public Wi-Fi; they use special tools and methods like man-in-the middle attack, so don’t put in your card details when using free internet. They can even inject malware into your phone.  If you’re making payments online, it’s safer to use your mobile data or a VPN to keep things secure.

6. Keep Your Devices Updated

It may seem unrelated, but outdated software is one of the biggest entry points for cybercriminals. Make sure your phone, laptop, and even browser are regularly updated.

These updates patch vulnerabilities and keep you safe from the latest threats. Also, consider installing a reputable antivirus or security app that alerts you to dangerous websites or phishing attempts.

E-commerce safety tips UK experts always say that safe shopping starts with safe devices.

7. Read the Return Policy and Contact Details

Before you place that order, scroll down and check the site’s return policy. Legitimate websites will clearly explain how returns and refunds work, and they’ll provide real contact information—not just a contact form.

If there’s no address or phone number or the policy sounds vague or shady, it’s best to steer clear. Also check if they have customer reviews or social media presence with real interaction. That can be a good sign of legitimacy.

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Real-life Example: Sarah’s Handbag Dilemma

Sarah, a university student in Glasgow, ordered a designer handbag from what she thought was a UK-based outlet. She paid £120 through her debit card. The bag never arrived and when she tried to contact the seller, the website had disappeared.

Had she used a credit card or PayPal and checked reviews beforehand, she could have easily avoided the loss. That’s why following these safe online shopping tips Glasgow shoppers swear by is more important than ever.

FAQ Section

What are the safest online shopping sites?

In the UK, safe sites include Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, Boots, and Currys. These companies have strong buyer protections and clear return policies. For fashion, ASOS and Next are also reliable. Always check that the URL starts with “https” and that the company has a UK customer service number.

How do I block harmful websites?

You can use parental control tools or browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Norton Safe Web. Many antivirus programs come with web filtering features. If you want full control, you can even block known scam domains using your router settings or by using DNS services like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.

Final Thoughts

Online shopping should feel safe and simple.. By sticking to trusted retailers and using secure payment methods, and keeping your device updated, you can easily protect yourself from most scams. And if something feels off, then trust your instincts and stay away from the deal.

We’re lucky in Glasgow to have access to both brilliant local shops and global e-commerce options. Just remember that safe online shopping tips Glasgow residents follow are more than just good advice—they’re essential steps to staying one step ahead of scammers in 2025.

Stay safe, shop smart, and maybe send this guide to someone you love who needs a reminder to double-check before they click “buy.”

About the Author

I’m Duncan Paul Glasgow, a digital safety advocate and proud Glaswegian. I work with ScamFreeWorld to raise awareness about online fraud and help people take real action when they’re targeted. Through local stories and trusted advice, I aim to make Glasgow and the web a little safer for everyone.

Read more blogs – https://scamfreeworld.com/how-to-report-online-scams-in-glasgow/

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