1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – What to Watch For
If you’ve ever clicked a tempting ad for a deal that seemed too good to be true—and later realized the item never arrived or the website was fake—you’re far from alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one out of every three adults who regularly shop online.
These scams are not limited to one age group or shopping platform. They can happen to anyone, whether you’re browsing on a laptop or buying through a social media app on your phone. The good news is that with a little knowledge and some careful habits, most of these rip-offs can be avoided.
How these scams work
Online shopping scams come in several common forms. One is the fake retail website. Scammers set up a site that looks like a legitimate store, often using stolen logos and product images, and offer items at a steep discount. After you pay, the item never ships and the site vanishes.
Another widespread scheme involves phishing emails that appear to be from major retailers like Amazon or Walmart. The message might claim there’s a problem with your order or that you need to confirm payment details. Clicking the link takes you to a lookalike page that steals your login credentials or credit card number.
Social media ads are also a major vector. Pew Research notes that a majority of TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations, which scammers exploit by running ads for cheap electronics or clothing that never arrive. In many cases, the ads lead to one-time storefronts that disappear shortly after collecting payments.
Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App add another layer of risk. Pew found that these apps bring convenience but also security concerns—they often lack the purchase protection you get with a credit card or PayPal’s Goods and Services option. When you use them to pay a stranger for an item, getting your money back is very difficult.
Red flags to watch for
The following signs don’t guarantee a scam, but they should make you pause:
- Prices that are dramatically lower than elsewhere—especially on popular electronics or designer goods.
- Payment requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps rather than credit cards. This is a particularly strong warning.
- Websites with odd URLs (like “amaz0n-deals.net”) or no padlock icon in the browser bar.
- Poor grammar, misspellings, or blurry product images.
- Pushy messaging: “Only 2 left!” or “Sale ends in 3 minutes!” to force a quick decision without thinking.
Prevention tips that actually work
You don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself. A few straightforward steps will reduce your risk significantly.
Shop on trusted sites. Stick with retailers you know or that have a long track record. If you’re trying a new store, look up reviews from multiple sources—not just the testimonials on the store’s own site.
Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards typically offer fraud protection that limits your liability. Debit cards don’t always have the same safeguards, and cash equivalents like Venmo may offer none.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your payment accounts. It only adds a few seconds and can stop scammers from making additional purchases if they somehow get your password.
Check the URL carefully before entering payment info. Look for “https://” and a lock icon. Even then, be aware that some fake sites also use HTTPS, so it’s not a guarantee.
Read product and seller reviews with a critical eye. Watch for many similar glowing five-star reviews posted close together—these are often fake.
Be especially cautious on social media marketplaces. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook ads can be legitimate, but scammers know these platforms are less monitored than established e-commerce sites. For anything expensive, consider buying from a known retailer even if it costs a bit more.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you realize you’ve paid for an item that never arrived or that your financial information was used without permission, act quickly.
- Contact your bank or credit card company right away. Report the transaction as fraudulent and ask to reverse it.
- If you used a payment app like Venmo or Cash App, report the transaction to the app’s support team. They may be able to flag the seller’s account, though refunds are not guaranteed.
- Freeze any affected accounts to prevent further unauthorized use.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track patterns and take action against scammers.
- If you provided personal information like your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file through one of the three major credit bureaus.
The takeaway
The fact that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them is a reminder that this is no longer a rare event. Fraudsters are constantly refining their methods, and the best defense is to stay aware and stay skeptical. Slow down, use payment methods that protect you, and verify before you pay. A few minutes of caution can save you from the frustration and loss that millions of other shoppers have already experienced.
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.
- Pew Research Center, “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users,” September 2022.
Tags: online shopping scams, fraud prevention, Pew Research, phishing, identity theft, payment apps, consumer safety