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

If you shop online, the odds are not in your favor. According to a November 2025 study by the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s 32 percent of U.S. adults — a striking number that underscores how common these frauds have become.

With the holiday shopping season already underway, scam attempts tend to spike. Knowing what these scams look like and how to avoid them can save you money, stress, and a lot of wasted time.

What happened

The Pew study surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults and found that 32 percent had personally experienced an online shopping scam. The researchers defined these as situations where someone bought or tried to buy something online and later realized they were tricked — for example, they never received the item, or the item was fake or misrepresented. The figure is part of Pew’s broader ongoing work on online scams and digital safety.

Younger adults and those with higher household incomes reported higher rates of victimization, possibly because they shop online more frequently. But no age group is immune. The study did not break down exact scam types, but past research and consumer reporting suggest the most common include:

  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, often with slight URL typos.
  • Phishing emails that appear to be from Amazon, PayPal, or a shipping carrier, asking you to click a link to “confirm your order.”
  • Social media ads that lead to fraudulent storefronts selling heavily discounted goods that never arrive.
  • “Too good to be true” deals on items like electronics, designer clothes, or concert tickets.
  • Non-delivery scams, where you pay and get nothing in return.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams aren’t just a nuisance. They can lead to direct financial loss, identity theft, and compromised payment details. A single $50 loss may seem small, but scammers often target larger purchases or use stolen credit card numbers for further fraud.

The fact that one in three Americans has encountered this is a strong signal that the current safeguards — both from consumers and from platforms — are not enough. Many people still assume it won’t happen to them, especially on sites that look professional. But modern scammers invest in convincing design and fake reviews.

The risk is especially high during peak shopping periods. As more people search for deals, scammers ramp up fake ads and phishing campaigns. The Pew study was released just before the 2025 holiday season, making its findings especially relevant.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop more safely. Most scams follow patterns, and once you know the red flags, you can spot them.

Before you buy

  • Stick to reputable sites. If you’re buying from a store you’ve never heard of, search for “[store name] scam” or read reviews on trustpilot.com or the Better Business Bureau. Be wary of sites with no physical address or phone number.
  • Check the URL. Scammers often use addresses that look real but contain extra words or misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Beware of unrealistic discounts. If a $1,000 laptop is offered for $150, it’s almost certainly a scam. Genuine sales rarely exceed 30–50% off.
  • Avoid paying with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses almost never demand these methods. Credit cards and services like PayPal offer buyer protection if something goes wrong.

While you shop

  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards generally have stronger fraud liability protections. You can dispute a charge if an item never arrives.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your payment accounts and email. It adds a barrier even if a scammer gets your password.
  • Keep your browser and software updated. Updates fix security holes that scammers could exploit.

If you’ve been scammed

Act quickly.

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer and report the fraud. They can stop payment or reverse the charge.
  2. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track trends.
  3. Change passwords for any accounts you used, especially if you entered login details on a fraudulent site.
  4. Monitor your credit card and bank statements for unusual transactions over the coming weeks.
  5. If you gave out personal information (like your Social Security number), consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus.

Bottom line

Online shopping scams are widespread, but not inevitable. The Pew research confirms that many Americans have been caught out, but with a little caution, you can lower your odds. Always verify before you pay, use secure payment methods, and trust your instincts. If a deal feels too good to be true, it likely is.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 19, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.” ftc.gov.
  • Better Business Bureau. “Online Shopping Scams – BBB Scam Tracker.” bbb.org.