1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Online Shopping — Here’s How to Avoid It

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Online Shopping — Here’s How to Avoid It

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a “deal” that turned out to be fake, you’re far from alone. New data from Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans (34%) say they have experienced an online shopping scam. As holiday shopping ramps up, that number is likely to climb. Understanding the most common tricks—and knowing a few simple precautions—can make the difference between a successful purchase and a costly mistake.

What’s happening

The Pew study surveyed U.S. adults about their encounters with online scams. The headline figure: 34% said a shopping scam had happened to them. That’s roughly one in three people. The scams took various forms, from fake websites that mimicked legitimate retailers to phishing emails that lured shoppers into sharing credit card details. Social media marketplaces also featured prominently, especially for younger adults. A separate Pew report from 2024 noted that a majority of TikTok users are on the platform for product reviews and recommendations, and that influencer endorsements can blur the line between genuine advice and paid promotion. Young adults in particular are more likely to be targeted through these channels.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams aren’t just a minor nuisance. They can drain bank accounts, compromise personal data, and create months of headaches trying to reverse fraudulent charges. During the holiday season, when people are hurried, distracted, and more willing to click “buy” for limited-time offers, scammers double their efforts. The Federal Trade Commission consistently reports spikes in fraud reports around November and December. And because many scams are never reported—victims may feel embarrassed or unsure where to turn—the real numbers are probably higher than surveys show.

The risk isn’t limited to bargain hunters. Anyone who shops on major retail sites, uses payment apps like Venmo or Cash App (which Pew found bring convenience but also security concerns to some users), or follows influencer recommendations is vulnerable. And scams evolve quickly: fake order confirmations, “package delivery” texts, and look-alike login pages are all common.

What readers can do

You can significantly lower your risk without giving up convenience. Here are practical steps based on what we know about how these scams work.

1. Verify the seller and the site.
Legitimate retailers have clear contact information, a professional website, and consistent branding. Scammers often create URLs that are one or two letters off from the real thing (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Before you enter payment details, check the URL for misspellings and look for the padlock icon in the address bar. If you’re on a marketplace like Facebook or Instagram, check the seller’s history and reviews—but be aware that reviews can be faked.

2. Use a credit card or a payment app with buyer protection.
Credit cards generally offer the strongest fraud protection. Under U.S. law, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50, and many card issuers waive that amount. Debit cards and bank transfers often have weaker protections. If you use a payment app like PayPal, use “Goods and Services” (not “Friends and Family”) because it includes purchase protection. Apps like Venmo and Cash App have limited protection for commercial transactions unless you specifically use their business features.

3. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Scammers rely on urgency and low prices. “50% off all electronics — today only” is a classic hook. Compare the offer to prices on well-known retailer sites. If the discount is extraordinary, pause. Legitimate sales are rarely 70–90% off on popular items.

4. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or texts.
Phishing messages often mimic order confirmations or shipping updates. Instead of clicking the link, open your browser and go to the retailer’s site directly. The same goes for messages from “customer support” asking you to verify your account.

5. Avoid paying through encrypted messaging apps or wire transfers.
Scammers love platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Zelle because transactions are nearly impossible to reverse. If a seller insists on payment through these channels, it’s a red flag.

If you are scammed, act quickly.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and block future fraud. Then report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track trends and shut down scams. Monitor your accounts for several weeks afterward for unauthorized transactions.

The bottom line

The Pew data makes one thing clear: online shopping scams are not rare. They affect people of all ages and income levels. But being aware of the patterns and taking a few deliberate steps can keep you out of the statistics. This holiday season, slow down, double-check URLs, and use payment methods that protect you. A few extra seconds of caution are worth far more than the money you might lose to a scam.

Sources: Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them” (November 2025); “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today” (July 2025); “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users” (September 2022); “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations” (November 2024).