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

If you shop online, you are not alone in worrying about scams. New data from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, confirms that roughly one in three U.S. adults has fallen victim to an online shopping scam. That number is high enough to deserve attention, especially as the holiday shopping season picks up and fraudsters become more active.

What Happened

Pew surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults and found that about 32% say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The study defines a scam broadly – anything from paying for an item that never arrives to clicking a fake link that steals personal information. The findings align with other federal data: the Federal Trade Commission consistently lists online shopping scams among the top categories of fraud reported by consumers.

While the study did not single out any particular platform, it noted that younger adults and those who use social media or payment apps frequently are more likely to report being scammed. This does not mean older adults are safe, but it does suggest that familiarity with digital tools can sometimes lead to overconfidence.

Why It Matters

Online shopping has become routine for most Americans. The convenience is real, but so are the risks. Scammers have gotten better at mimicking legitimate stores, emails, and payment requests. They rely on the fact that people often act quickly when they see a deal or a time-limited offer.

The timing of this report matters. Holiday shopping drives a surge in both legitimate transactions and scam attempts. Knowing the common tactics in advance can save you money, time, and frustration.

What Readers Can Do

Common Scams to Watch For

Phishing emails and texts – A message that appears to be from a store, shipping company, or payment service asks you to click a link to confirm an order or update payment details. The link leads to a fake page that steals your login or credit card info.

Fake online stores – A website that looks professional but sells counterfeit goods, or simply takes your money and never ships anything. These often show up in social media ads or search results for very low prices.

Social media marketplace fraud – On platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram, scammers post items they do not have. They ask for payment via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle before delivery, then disappear.

Payment app scams – Venmo, Cash App, and similar peer-to-peer apps offer little to no buyer protection for purchases. If you send money for an item and it never arrives, recovering that money is very difficult. According to a separate Pew study from 2022, many users are unaware of these limitations.

Review manipulation – Fake reviews make bad products or scam sellers look trustworthy. Scammers also “hijack” real listings on sites like Amazon, changing product details after accumulating positive reviews.

How to Spot a Scam

  • Price too good to be true. A brand-new gaming console or designer bag at 80% off is almost always a red flag.
  • Poor website quality. Spelling errors, missing contact pages, or a domain that does not match the store name (e.g., “amazon-xyz.shop”) indicate a fake site.
  • Requests for payment outside standard channels. Legitimate sellers accept credit cards or PayPal. If someone insists on Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer, or gift cards, that is a strong warning.
  • Urgency tactics. “Only two left – buy now!” or “Price expires in 10 minutes” are designed to make you skip your normal checks.

Prevention Tips

  1. Use a credit card for online purchases when possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. If a scam occurs, you can dispute the charge and generally get your money back.
  2. Check seller reviews across multiple sources. Look at the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or the store’s social media comments. Be wary if all reviews are five-star and posted on the same day.
  3. Avoid clicking unsolicited links. Instead of clicking a link in an email or text, go directly to the store’s official website and log in from there.
  4. Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts (Amazon, PayPal, etc.). This adds an extra step for anyone trying to break into your account.
  5. Research unfamiliar stores. Search the store name plus the word “scam” to see if other people have posted warnings.

What to Do If You Are Scammed

Act quickly, but stay calm.

  • If you paid by credit card, call your card issuer and dispute the charge. They will usually reverse it while they investigate.
  • If you used a payment app, contact the app’s support team immediately. Recovery is not guaranteed, but reporting helps them track repeat offenders.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if the amount is small, your report helps authorities spot trends.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unusual charges for at least a few weeks after the incident.
  • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if any personal information (like your Social Security number) was exposed.

Staying Ahead of the Scam

No one is immune, but you can reduce your risk. The most effective defense is taking time – pausing before you click, asking questions about the seller, and using payment methods that protect you. Share these tips with friends and family, especially those who may be less comfortable online. Awareness is the best tool we have.

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 article]
  • Pew Research Center, “Payment Apps Like Venmo and Cash App Bring Convenience – and Security Concerns – to Some Users” (September 8, 2022).
  • Federal Trade Commission, “New FTC Data Show Consumers Reported Losing Nearly $8.8 Billion to Scams in 2022” (February 2023).