1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Shopping Online – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Introduction
If you shop online — and most of us do — you’ve probably seen deals that seem too good to be true, or sellers who ask you to pay outside the usual checkout process. New data from Pew Research Center confirms that this isn’t just a minor annoyance: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That number comes from a November 2025 survey, and it underscores how widespread these schemes have become.

This article walks through what that statistic means, why it matters, and — most important — what you can do to avoid being the next victim.

What happened
Pew’s survey, part of a broader look at online scams and attacks in the U.S., found that roughly one in three adults has experienced some form of shopping scam. These incidents range from buying from a fake website that never delivers the product, to receiving counterfeit goods, to being tricked into sending money through a payment app for an item that doesn’t exist.

Other Pew research helps explain the context. A 2024 report showed that a majority of TikTok users go there for product reviews and recommendations — a trend that plays directly into social commerce scams. Separately, a 2022 survey on payment apps like Venmo and Cash App found that while users value convenience, many also worry about security. That concern is justified: scammers often exploit these apps because transactions are hard to reverse.

Why it matters
The online marketplace is bigger than ever, and it’s becoming more fragmented. Shoppers now browse not just Amazon or eBay, but also Instagram shops, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok boutiques, and seller profiles on WhatsApp or Telegram. Each platform has its own rules — and its own weak spots.

Fraudsters adapt quickly. They set up convincing storefronts, post fake reviews, and use urgency tactics like “only 2 left” or “flash sale ends tonight” to push you into a quick decision. Because payments are often made with debit cards, credit cards, or peer-to-peer apps, the level of consumer protection varies widely. A debit card loss might take weeks to recover; a payment app transfer is often unrecoverable.

The rise of social commerce, combined with payment app usage, means that the same convenience that makes shopping easy also makes scams harder to spot. According to Pew’s 2023 research on online shopping habits, most sales still happen in stores, but e-commerce growth continues. That growth — especially among younger adults who rely on phones and influencer recommendations — creates more opportunities for scammers to find targets.

What readers can do
You don’t need to stop shopping online, but you can take a few practical steps to reduce your risk.

  1. Stick with credit cards when possible. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge and often get a refund while the card issuer investigates. Debit card protections exist, but the money leaves your account immediately, and recovery can take weeks.

  2. Verify the seller before you buy. For unfamiliar websites, search the store name plus “scam” or “review.” Check if the domain was recently registered (a new domain with a big discount is a red flag). On social media, look at the account history: when was it created? Does it post consistently? Scam accounts often have few followers or patchy timelines.

  3. Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, or direct bank transfer. These methods are nearly impossible to reverse. Scammers often push for them because they’re untraceable. If a seller insists on one of these payment methods, walk away.

  4. Use payment apps only with people you know. Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle are designed for friends and family, not for buying from strangers. If you must use them for a marketplace transaction, treat it like cash — once it’s sent, there’s usually no way to get it back.

  5. Enable transaction alerts and two-factor authentication. For your bank accounts, credit cards, and payment apps, set up notifications for every purchase. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer so that even if someone gets your password, they can’t easily complete a transaction.

  6. Keep software and apps updated. Scammers sometimes exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems or browsers. Regular updates patch those holes.

  7. If you’re scammed, act quickly. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report fraud. Change your passwords (use a password manager for unique, strong passwords). File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you used a payment app, report the transaction through the app’s support system. Also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you shared personal information.

Conclusion
The fact that a third of Americans have faced an online shopping scam is a reminder that caution pays. Scammers rely on speed and trust; you can fight back by slowing down, verifying sellers, and using payment methods that offer protection. No single step is foolproof, but combining them makes you a much harder target.

Stay informed, shop smart, and remember: if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center (November 2025). “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.”
  • Pew Research Center (July 2025). “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.”
  • Pew Research Center (November 2024). “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations.”
  • Pew Research Center (September 2022). “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.”
  • Pew Research Center (November 2023). “Online shopping has grown rapidly in the U.S., but most sales are still in stores.”