1 in 3 Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself

A new report from the Pew Research Center has put a number on something many of us suspected: online shopping scams are startlingly common. According to the study, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 80 million adults—people who have lost money, had their personal information stolen, or received counterfeit goods after clicking “buy.” With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, when deals and deadlines push us to act fast, this statistic ought to grab anyone’s attention.

What Happened

Pew surveyed U.S. adults in late 2025 and found that 34 percent reported experiencing at least one online shopping scam. The figure cuts across age groups, though younger adults—who shop more often on mobile and social platforms—reported slightly higher rates. The scams took many forms: fake websites that look like legitimate retailers, phishing emails that pretend to be from a store, bogus ads on social media, and fraud involving payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. These methods have been around for years, but they keep evolving. Scammers now use AI-generated images, realistic-looking checkout pages, and stolen logos to make their traps harder to spot.

Why It Matters

If one in three people has already been affected, the actual number is probably higher—many scams go unreported because victims are embarrassed or don’t think law enforcement can help. The Pew data also shows that a majority of Americans use payment apps, and that concerns about security are widespread. For everyday shoppers, the message is clear: scammers are not just targeting the elderly or the less tech-savvy; they are aiming at everyone. The convenience of online shopping comes with risk, but that risk can be managed with a few habits.

What Readers Can Do

Recognize the most common scams

  • Fake websites: A site that looks almost identical to Amazon, Target, or a small boutique but has a slightly odd URL (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.shop”). Prices are often too good to be true.
  • Phishing emails or texts: Messages claiming there’s a problem with an order, a surprise refund, or a limited-time offer. They usually contain a link that leads to a fake login page.
  • Social media ads: Flashy posts on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook promoting deep discounts on popular items. Many of these ads lead to copycat storefronts that take your money and disappear.
  • Payment app fraud: A seller insists on using Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle with “friends and family” instead of the “goods and services” option, leaving you with no buyer protection.

Spot the red flags before you pay

  1. Check the URL carefully. Legitimate retailers use their own domain (like storename.com), not long strings of random letters or misspellings.
  2. Look for contact information—a real address, phone number, and customer service email. Fake sites often hide or omit these.
  3. Search for reviews. Type the store name plus “scam” or “review” into a search engine. If you see multiple complaints about non-delivery or poor quality, walk away.
  4. Examine product photos. Odd proportions, blurry logos, or inconsistent lighting can be signs of AI-generated or stolen images.
  5. Beware of high-pressure tactics. “Only 2 left!” or “Sale ends tonight!” are common tricks to rush your decision.
  6. Use a credit card rather than a debit card or direct bank transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and you can dispute charges.

Protect yourself while shopping

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your email and payment accounts. This adds a layer of security if someone gets your password.
  • Make sure the site uses HTTPS (the padlock icon in the address bar), but note that a padlock does not guarantee the site is legitimate—scammers now buy SSL certificates, too.
  • Avoid using payment apps for purchases from sellers you don’t know personally. If you must, select the “goods and services” option, which provides some recourse.
  • Keep your devices and browser updated. Security patches close holes that scammers exploit.

What to do if you get scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and ask for a chargeback.
  • Change the passwords for any accounts you used during the purchase, especially if you reused a password.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It helps authorities track patterns and may aid in recovery.
  • Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity in the following weeks.

Final Thought

The Pew finding that a third of Americans have been hit by an online shopping scam is a reminder that none of us are immune. But most scams rely on speed and trust—not sophisticated hacking. By slowing down, double-checking details, and using payment methods that offer protection, you can significantly reduce your chances of being the next victim. And if you know someone who tends to click before they look, share this guide. A little caution goes a long way.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “ReportFraud.ftc.gov.”