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

If you shop online regularly, the chances are good that either you or someone you know has been burned by a scam. A November 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That is not a niche problem—it is a widespread consumer issue affecting tens of millions of people.

The same survey reported that 52% of U.S. adults have experienced some form of online fraud or cyberattack, with shopping scams being the single most common type. And the problem appears to be getting worse, not better.

Understanding what these scams look like and how to avoid them is the best defense. Below we break down the most common schemes, the red flags to watch for, and concrete steps to protect yourself.

What the data shows

Pew’s research (conducted in late 2025) asked Americans about a range of online scams and attacks. The headline figure—roughly one in three adults scammed while shopping online—is drawn from a nationally representative sample. The survey also found that younger adults, particularly those under 30, reported higher rates of shopping scams than older age groups.

Importantly, the study defines “online shopping scam” broadly: it includes situations where someone attempted to buy an item that never arrived, paid for a product that was counterfeit or significantly different than advertised, or was tricked into handing over payment information on a fake site.

Because the survey is self-reported, the actual number may be higher. Many scams go unreported, either because the loss was small or because victims feel embarrassed. The takeaway: even if you have not been scammed, you almost certainly know someone who has.

Why this matters for everyone

Online shopping scams are not just about losing a few dollars on a cheap item. They can lead to identity theft, stolen credit card numbers, and unauthorized charges that take weeks to resolve. Some scammers use the personal information they collect—name, address, phone number—for later phishing attempts.

The financial impact varies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that consumers lost more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, and online shopping scams were among the top categories. Individual losses can range from $20 for a counterfeit T‑shirt to thousands of dollars for a fake electronics deal or a fraudulent “special offer.”

Beyond the money, there is the frustration and time lost. Filing disputes, changing passwords, and canceling cards are not trivial when you are already busy.

What you can do: practical prevention

Most online shopping scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can avoid the vast majority of them.

Know the most common scam types

• Fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers (often with URLs that are off by one letter or use a different domain suffix like .shop or .xyz).
• Phishing emails or texts that appear to come from a real company (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) and ask you to click a link to confirm an order or claim a refund.
• Social media ads with exaggerated deals—$50 iPhones, 90%-off brand sneakers. These often lead to sites that collect your payment info and never ship anything.
• Non-delivery scams: they take your money, send a tracking number that never updates, or ship an empty box.
• Overpayment scams: common on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where the buyer sends a check for more than the sale price and asks you to refund the difference. The check bounces later.

Look for warning signs

• The price is too good to be true. If a new popular item is being sold for 70% off by an unknown seller, it is almost certainly a scam.
• Poor website quality. Typos, blurry images, missing contact info, no return policy, and a suspicious URL are red flags.
• Pressure to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate retailers do not ask for these. Credit cards and PayPal (with buyer protection) are standard for a reason.
• No or fake reviews. Check the seller’s reputation on third-party review sites. Scammers can fabricate five-star reviews, so look for detailed, balanced feedback and recent complaints.
• Urgency. “Limited stock – buy now!” is a common tactic to get you to act without thinking.

Steps you can take before buying

1. Stick to trusted platforms when possible. Amazon, eBay, and large retailers have fraud protection teams and clear dispute processes. That is not a guarantee, but it is safer than buying from an Instagram ad with an unknown URL.
2. Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have stronger protections for fraudulent charges on credit cards. Debit cards offer far less recourse.
3. Enable purchase alerts on your phone and email. Many banks and payment services let you set up notifications for every transaction. That way you catch fraud immediately.
4. Verify the seller. Search the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.” If a bunch of Reddit threads or BBB warnings appear, walk away.
5. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Type the URL yourself or open the app directly.

If you have been scammed

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the charge as fraudulent and request a chargeback if the item did not arrive or was not as described.
• Freeze your credit if you shared personal information like a Social Security number or birth date. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
• Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The agency shares data with law enforcement.
• File a complaint with your local police if the loss is significant, especially if you have the scammer’s name, address, or other details.
• Change your passwords—especially for your email and any accounts where you reused the same password.

Staying ahead of the problem

Online shopping scams are not going away, but awareness is a strong defense. Share what you have learned with family members who may be less tech-savvy—older adults and teenagers are both frequent targets.

The Pew data shows you are not alone if you have been scammed. But with a few habits—slowing down, checking details, using the right payment method—you can significantly reduce your risk.

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, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023,” February 2024.