1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online — Here’s What to Know

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link in an email that looked like an order confirmation but turned out to be a phishing trap, you’re not alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly one out of every three online shoppers — and the numbers are worth paying attention to, especially as holiday shopping season ramps up.

What Happened

In a survey conducted in 2025, Pew asked Americans about their encounters with a range of online threats. The question on shopping scams was straightforward: have you ever had an online shopping scam happen to you? The result: 33% of respondents said yes.

The Pew report covers a broader landscape of online scams and attacks, but the shopping statistic stands out because it’s so common. The study also found that younger adults and those who shop frequently on social media platforms are more likely to report being scammed. While the survey didn’t break down every specific scam type, it aligns with other consumer protection data that points to fake online stores, items that are paid for but never delivered, and fraudulent order confirmation emails as recurring patterns.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams are not just an inconvenience — they can cost people real money and sometimes lead to identity theft. Many scams exploit the anonymity of the internet, fake reviews, and payment apps that lack strong buyer protections. When you pay through a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or Cash App (which Pew has studied separately for their security concerns), you may have little recourse if the seller disappears.

The sheer prevalence of these scams means that even cautious shoppers can slip up. A convincing ad on social media, a lookalike website with a slightly misspelled URL, or a “too good to be true” deal can trick anyone. And because attackers constantly update their tactics, what worked as a red flag last year might not be as obvious today.

What Readers Can Do

The good news is that you can reduce your risk without giving up online shopping. Here are practical steps based on what consumer protection agencies and security experts recommend.

Before you buy:

  • Check the website carefully. Look for subtle misspellings in the domain name (like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Use a site-checking tool like Google’s Safe Browsing or the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker if something feels off. Trust your gut — if the design is sloppy or the contact page has only a form, those are red flags.
  • Read reviews — but skeptically. Scammers can post dozens of five-star reviews. Look for reviews that describe specific details about the product and delivery. A flood of near-identical glowing reviews on a new site is suspicious. Cross-check feedback on a third-party platform like Trustpilot or Reddit.
  • Use a credit card, not a debit card or payment app. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under federal law. Debit cards and apps like Venmo often do not give you the same ability to dispute a charge. If a seller asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, that’s a major warning sign.
  • Verify the seller’s identity. Legitimate businesses have a physical address and a working customer service phone number. Call the number before making a large purchase.

After you buy:

  • Keep records. Save the order confirmation, receipts, and any communication with the seller. If you can, take a screenshot of the product page and the checkout process.
  • Monitor your payment accounts. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Set up transaction alerts if your bank offers them.
  • Report scams you encounter. If you think you’ve been scammed, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also report the fraudulent website to Google Safe Browsing and your payment provider.
  • If your payment info was stolen, act quickly. Contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.

The Big Picture

Online shopping scams are not going away, but being informed is your best defense. The fact that one in three Americans has already been hit shows how widespread the problem is. Share these tips with family and friends, especially those who may be less experienced with online shopping. A few minutes of caution can save a lot of money and frustration.

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.