For many people in Scotland, buying basic goods and services has become increasingly fraught with scams, hidden fees, faulty products, and complaint systems that often lead nowhere. And an illuminating new report found that younger adults are bearing the brunt of the problem.
Here's what to know
Consumer Scotland's first statutory Consumer Welfare Report found that 60% of people in Scotland experienced some form of consumer detriment, including scams, refund issues, delivery failures, faulty goods, and unfair charges, according to STV News.
The report also found that 20% of Scots regularly struggle to afford essentials such as food, energy, and housing. The findings come from a survey of more than 2,000 adults.
By age, 18-to-24-year-olds were the most affected: 74% said they experienced some kind of consumer harm, compared with 41% of people aged 65 to 74 and 31% of those over 75.
The same pattern appeared in scam figures. More than 18% of younger adults said they had been victims, versus 10% across the wider population.
"This highlights the fact that, despite often being more digitally connected, younger consumers may be exposed to different risks through their spending patterns, online activity, and engagement with rapidly evolving digital markets," Sam Ghibaldan, Consumer Scotland chief executive, said.
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More background
The numbers suggest the problem is broader than a few disappointing purchases. Overall, 36% of people said they had encountered a scam or been targeted by one, while 10% said they became victims.
For those who were scammed, the financial hit was often substantial: two-thirds lost money, and nearly 1 in 5 lost more than £1,000 (around $1,320).
Product safety issues were also frequently reported. Fourteen percent of respondents said they encountered them, with electrical hazards and fire risks among the most often cited concerns.
Attempts to issue complaints also created problems for many consumers. Fifteen percent of people who tried to raise a complaint said they could not reach the supplier at all. Meanwhile, two-thirds of online shoppers said they encountered unlisted or surprise charges, and more than 6 in 10 said canceling subscriptions or services was difficult.
What's being done?
Consumer Scotland says better protection for households will require stronger regulation and enforcement.
The report says consumer harms are evolving as businesses introduce new technology, online pricing methods shift, and global supply chains become more complex.
It also said trading standards services remain under significant strain.
Ghibaldan said the answer is not just helping consumers settle individual disputes.
"It is about ensuring markets, public services, regulation and enforcement work effectively for everyone, and particularly for those most at risk of harm or exclusion. Consumer welfare and economic growth are closely linked. When consumers can access the goods and services they need, understand their rights, and participate confidently in markets, the economy works better for everyone," he said.
Where can I learn more?
The report's findings align with broader concerns regarding online shopping and digital marketplaces that can leave consumers vulnerable to scams and misleading tactics. These stories cover counterfeit Amazon goods, manipulative online marketing, AI-generated product fraud, dubious Temu listings, and fine-print pricing complaints.
• An Amazon shopper said counterfeit and mislabeled products made the platform feel increasingly risky.
• On major retail platforms, brands manipulate consumers online to keep clicks turning into purchases.
• A shopper said an online seller's AI-generated sweater listing looked nothing like the product delivered.
• A Temu listing left a homeowner feeling that the system is broken after a dubious offer.
• A customer said Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. used fine-print brand tactics to justify extra charges.
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