1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s What to Watch For

If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true ad on social media or received a suspicious text about a delayed package, you’re not alone. New data from the Pew Research Center shows that roughly one in three U.S. adults — 32 percent — say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure is a reminder that fraud isn’t something that only happens to careless shoppers; it’s widespread enough that most of us know someone it has affected.

Here’s what the data tells us, why it matters, and — most importantly — how you can reduce your own risk.

What Happened

The Pew Research Center surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults in July 2025. When asked whether they personally had experienced an online shopping scam, about a third of Americans said yes. Young adults aged 18 to 29 were more likely to report being scammed than older age groups. The study didn’t break down exact types of scams, but researchers noted that common schemes include fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, deceptive advertisements on social media, and phishing messages that pretend to be delivery notifications.

The survey is part of a broader Pew project on online scams and attacks in America today. It found that online shopping fraud is one of the most common scam types people encounter, alongside phishing and impersonation attempts.

Why It Matters

Shopping online has become routine for the vast majority of Americans. As more daily life moves to digital storefronts, the opportunities for scammers multiply. A single fraudulent transaction can cost a victim a few dollars or several hundred — and, for some, it also erodes trust in the entire e‑commerce system.

Beyond the financial harm, scams can compromise personal information. When a shopper enters payment details on a fake site, that data can be resold or used in follow‑up fraud. And the psychological toll — embarrassment, frustration, a sense of violation — can make people more hesitant to shop online, even from legitimate businesses.

The fact that nearly one in three adults has been hit suggests that current prevention efforts are not enough. Knowing the numbers should encourage consumers to stay alert and retailers to improve security measures.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop online safely. Simple habits can go a long way toward avoiding the most common scams.

Before You Buy

  • Verify the seller. If you’re on a site you haven’t used before, look for reviews outside the site itself. Search for “scam” plus the store name. Trustworthy sellers will have a history of genuine feedback.
  • Check the URL. Scammers often register domain names that are one letter off from the real brand. Look for typos or unusual extensions like .shop or .xyz on unfamiliar sites.
  • Be skeptical of extreme discounts. If a price is 80 % off retail and the seller isn’t a well‑known liquidator, it’s likely a lure. Legitimate sales rarely exceed 50–60 % outside of clearance events.
  • Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer more robust fraud protection than debit cards or peer‑to‑peer payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. If you use a payment app, treat it like cash — once the money is sent, it’s hard to get back.

Beware of Phishing Messages

Many shopping scams start with a text or email claiming a package is being held. These messages often include a link that leads to a fake login or payment page. If you weren’t expecting a delivery, don’t click. Even if you are expecting one, go directly to the carrier’s official website rather than using the link in the message.

Watch for Red Flags on Social Media

Pew’s own research has shown that a majority of U.S. TikTok users are on the platform for product reviews and recommendations. Social media ads are a common vector for scams. Before buying from a post, look at the account that posted it. Does it have a history of genuine engagement? Are comments from real people, or are they from new accounts with generic praise? If the ad leads to a site that doesn’t accept standard payment methods, that’s a warning sign.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you realize you’ve fallen for a shopping scam:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the transaction as fraudulent. They can often reverse the charge and issue a new card number.
  • Change passwords on any accounts you might have used, especially if you reused the same password elsewhere.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report can help warn others.
  • Consider freezing your credit if you gave out personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth. It’s a free step that prevents criminals from opening accounts in your name.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” July 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations,” November 2024.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “ReportFraud.ftc.gov.”

The takeaway is not to stop shopping online — but to stay sharp. Scammers rely on haste and trust. A few extra seconds of scrutiny before clicking “Buy” can be the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake.