1 in 3 Americans has been scammed while shopping online. Here’s how to protect yourself.
If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a deal that seemed a little too good, only to receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit, you’re far from alone. According to a 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With the holiday buying season fast approaching, that number is worth keeping in mind.
What happened
Pew’s study, published in November 2025, surveyed American adults about their experiences with online fraud. The headline finding: about a third of respondents reported falling victim to an online shopping scam at some point. That includes everything from paying for items that never arrived to being tricked by fake retailer websites or fraudulent ads on social media.
The report also found that younger adults and people who shop frequently on mobile devices were more likely to encounter scams. Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App – while convenient – were flagged as a potential vulnerability, since they often lack the purchase protection that credit cards offer.
Why it matters
Online shopping scams are not a niche problem. One in three means tens of millions of people have been affected. The financial losses can range from a few dollars to several hundred, and the emotional toll – feeling foolish or violated – is real. During the holiday season, scammers ramp up their efforts, knowing that shoppers are busy, distracted, and looking for bargains.
Scams also undermine trust in e‑commerce as a whole. If you’re constantly second‑guessing every website and ad, the convenience of online shopping starts to fade. And for less tech‑savvy shoppers – older relatives, friends who aren’t comfortable online – the risks can be even higher.
What readers can do
The good news is that most common online shopping scams are preventable. Here are practical steps you can take right now.
Stick with known retailers when possible. If you’re browsing a site you’ve never heard of, do a quick background check. Look for contact information, a physical address, and a clear return policy. Search the store’s name plus “scam” or “review” to see what others have experienced.
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. A brand‑new gaming console or designer handbag for 80% off is almost always a red flag. Scammers lure you in with prices that don’t make sense. If it feels unreal, it probably is.
Use a credit card or a payment service with purchase protection. Credit cards often allow you to dispute charges if an item never arrives or isn’t as described. Debit cards, wire transfers, and peer‑to‑peer payment apps like Zelle or Cash App offer much less recourse. Never pay a stranger with a gift card – that’s a classic scam signature.
Check the website’s URL carefully. Scammers often create addresses that look like the real thing (amaz0n‑deals.com instead of amazon.com). Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar, though that alone isn’t foolproof. More importantly, trust your gut when the layout or grammar looks off.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements after shopping. Even legitimate purchases can lead to card theft if the seller’s payment system is compromised. Check regularly and report any unauthorized charges immediately.
If you are scammed, act fast. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to stop payment or reverse the charge. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report the scam to the Better Business Bureau and the platform where you found the ad (Facebook, Google, etc.). You might not get your money back, but reporting helps warn others.
Sources
- Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them” (November 2025).
- Federal Trade Commission, “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams” (consumer advice page).
- Pew Research Center, “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users” (September 2022).
The web is full of bargains, but also full of traps. A little caution before you click “buy” can save you money, time, and frustration. This holiday season, shop smart and stay safe.