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

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a product that turned out to be a counterfeit, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center report, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With holiday shopping season in full swing and deal-hunting at its peak, the risk is higher than usual. This article explains the latest data, why it matters, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself.

What happened

Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults and found that roughly one in three reported experiencing an online shopping scam. That’s a large share of the population, and the problem appears to be growing. Separately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost over $8.8 billion to fraud in 2024, with online shopping scams being one of the top categories reported.

The Pew study also highlighted that scams are common across age groups, though younger adults (those under 30) reported slightly higher rates, likely because they shop more frequently on social media and mobile apps. The data underscores that this is not a niche problem—it affects millions of people every year.

Why it matters

The financial impact of online shopping scams is significant. Losing even a modest amount like $50 or $100 can be frustrating, but some victims lose hundreds or thousands of dollars. Beyond the money, scams erode trust in online marketplaces, social media platforms, and even peer-to-peer payment apps. The Pew report also found that many Americans are already wary of payment apps like Venmo and Cash App for security reasons, and scam experiences only reinforce that skepticism.

Additionally, the problem is getting harder to spot. Fake websites now look professional, social media ads can be highly targeted, and even recommendations from influencers you follow might lead to fraudulent sellers. Knowing what to look for can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake.

What readers can do

There are practical steps you can take to reduce your chances of being scammed, and to limit the damage if it happens.

Know the most common scams

  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, often using a slight misspelling in the URL.
  • Phishing emails that claim you need to confirm an order or update payment info for a popular store.
  • Social media ads for products at prices too good to be true—especially on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
  • Non-delivery scams, where you pay but the item never ships.
  • Counterfeit goods, which may arrive but are poor knockoffs.

Red flags to watch for

  • Prices that are drastically lower than elsewhere.
  • Poor website design, broken links, or missing contact information.
  • Pressure to “act now” or limited-time offers that create urgency.
  • Sellers who only accept wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps like Zelle or Cash App (these offer little to no buyer protection).

Safe payment methods

  • Credit cards are generally the safest option. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can dispute unauthorized charges and often recover your money if the item never arrives.
  • PayPal offers Buyer Protection for eligible purchases if the item doesn’t arrive or is significantly different from the description.
  • Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency—these are nearly impossible to reverse and are a favorite tool of scammers.

How to vet a seller

  • Search online for the store name plus “scam” or “review” before buying.
  • Check the website for HTTPS and a physical address or phone number (though these can be faked).
  • Use Google Reverse Image Search on product photos—if the same image appears on multiple unrelated sites, it’s likely a scam.
  • For social media purchases, look at the account’s history. A new account with few followers and no genuine engagement is a red flag.

What to do if you get scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback if eligible.
  • Change the passwords for any accounts you used during the purchase.
  • If you shared sensitive information, consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.
  • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local police department (they may wanted a report number for insurance or bank claims).

Be careful on social platforms

TikTok and Instagram are increasingly used for product discovery and direct purchases. A 2024 Pew study found that most TikTok users visit the platform for product reviews and recommendations. But those recommendations can come from scammers posing as influencers, or from ads that look organic. Always verify the seller independently before buying through a social media link.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center (2025): “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them”
  • Federal Trade Commission (2025): 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book
  • Fair Credit Billing Act (regulation of credit card dispute rights)
  • PayPal Buyer Protection terms and conditions

Staying safe online doesn’t require paranoia—just a bit of caution and a willingness to pause before hitting “buy.” The best defense is a skeptical mindset, especially when a deal seems too good to be true.