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

If you’ve ever clicked a deal that seemed too good to be true, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 32% of U.S. adults — a figure that underscores just how common these schemes have become.

The same research found that younger adults (ages 18–29) are especially vulnerable, often encountering scams through social media ads or influencer promotions. Payment app users — those who use Venmo, Cash App, or similar services — face higher risk because these transactions are difficult to reverse.

This piece walks through the most common types of online shopping scams, how to spot them, and what to do if you fall victim.

What Happened

Pew’s data, released in late 2025, shows that online shopping scams affect a significant share of the population. The scams take several forms:

  • Fake storefronts – Websites that look like legitimate retailers but are set up only to collect payments and personal information.
  • Phishing emails – Messages claiming to be from well-known companies (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) with links to fake login pages or “exclusive deals.”
  • Social media ads – Paid posts featuring counterfeit or nonexistent products, often endorsed by fake accounts.
  • Impersonated brands – Scammers posing as customer support for a real company, asking for payment to resolve a fake problem.

The survey also noted that people who use peer-to-peer payment apps for purchases are more likely to report being scammed, partly because those platforms offer less buyer protection than credit cards.

Why It Matters

Online shopping is now routine for most Americans. The convenience of buying from a phone or laptop comes with risks that aren’t always obvious. A single scam can cost you anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds or thousands. Worse, it can expose your financial details and identity to criminals.

Because scams are evolving — using realistic sites, professional-looking ads, and even AI-generated customer reviews — it’s easy to let your guard down. Knowing the warning signs and safe practices is the best protection.

What You Can Do

Recognize the red flags

Before you enter payment information, ask yourself:

  • Is the price significantly lower than anywhere else? That’s the classic lure.
  • Does the website look professional but have odd details — broken English, missing contact info, no physical address?
  • Is the payment method unusual? Legitimate sellers rarely ask for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Verify the seller

Search the store name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Check the domain age (you can use sites like Whois Lookup). Look for real reviews on independent platforms, not just testimonials on the seller’s site. Legitimate businesses typically have a phone number and address that you can confirm.

Use safe payment methods

Credit cards offer strong fraud protection. PayPal also has buyer protection for purchases made through its platform. Debit cards have fewer safeguards. Avoid wiring money or using reloadable gift cards for any online purchase — those are nearly impossible to recover.

Protect your information

Never share your Social Security number, birth date, or banking details with an unknown seller. When checking out, ensure the URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon. Don’t save payment information on unfamiliar sites.

Beware of payment app scams: A buyer may send you a fake confirmation email pretending to be from Venmo or Cash App. Always verify payment directly within the app — never rely on emailed receipts.

What to do if you’re scammed

Act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge.
  2. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  3. If you shared personal information, consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
  4. Change passwords on any accounts you used.

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. “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.” September 2022.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “What To Do If You Were Scammed.” Consumer Advice.