1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center reveals that roughly one in three Americans has experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a startling figure—especially if you shop online regularly, as most of us do. The study, published in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them, and younger adults are particularly likely to encounter scams through social media ads and influencer promotions.

The numbers alone should make anyone pause before clicking “Buy Now.” But knowing what these scams look like and how to avoid them can keep your money and personal information safe.

What Happened

Pew’s research asked Americans about their experiences with various online frauds. The most common types reported include:

  • Fake websites that mimic well-known retailers.
  • Non-delivery scams where you pay for a product that never arrives.
  • Phishing emails or messages that pretend to be from a store asking for login or payment details.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals on social media or through influencer links.

Young adults (ages 18–29) were more likely to say they had been scammed, often after clicking on ads or sponsored posts. Payment app scams—involving platforms like Venmo or Cash App—also surfaced as a growing concern in related Pew analysis.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams are not just an inconvenience. They can lead to stolen credit card numbers, unauthorized bank transfers, or identity theft. Even a small loss can be frustrating, but for many people the financial hit is significant. Moreover, scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Fake websites now look nearly identical to real ones, and phishing messages can be hard to spot when they come from a supposed “order confirmation” email.

The Pew study underscores that this isn’t a niche problem—it’s widespread. Nearly everyone who shops online is at risk, especially if they rely on social media recommendations or rarely check a site’s security.

What Readers Can Do

The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here are practical steps that work:

Before you buy

  • Stick to known retailers. If you’re tempted by a deal from an unfamiliar site, search for reviews or complaints. Look for contact information and a physical address.
  • Check the URL. Does it start with https:// and have a padlock icon? Even then, scammers can use HTTPS, so also inspect the domain name for misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card or direct bank transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under U.S. law (Fair Credit Billing Act). Payment apps like PayPal also provide buyer protection in many cases.
  • Avoid unusual payment methods. If a seller asks you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer, walk away. Legitimate merchants accept standard credit cards or trusted payment services.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts and payment apps. It adds an extra step that can stop a thief even if they get your password.

When something feels off

  • Trust your gut. If a deal is dramatically cheaper than anywhere else, or the site pushes you to “act now,” slow down. Scammers rely on urgency.
  • Look at reviews critically. Fake reviews are common. Use tools like Fakespot or reviewmeta.com to check review authenticity.
  • Don’t click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website in your browser.

If you’ve been scammed

Act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and request a new card if needed.
  2. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you don’t get your money back, your report helps track scams.
  3. Change your passwords for any accounts that may be compromised, and enable two-factor authentication.
  4. Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts opened in your name. You can get free weekly reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 19, 2025. [Link to original article]
  • Pew Research Center. “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.” September 2022.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams.” ftc.gov.

Stay alert out there. A few seconds of caution can save you a lot of trouble.