One in Three Americans Have Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: What You Need to Know

According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The figure comes from a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults and underscores how common these frauds have become. Whether you shop on Amazon, social media, or independent websites, the odds are good that you or someone you know has encountered a scam.

This article explains what the Pew data reveals, why the numbers matter, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid becoming the next victim.

What the Pew Data Shows

The Pew survey found that roughly 33% of U.S. adults have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The report did not break down every type, but earlier Pew research and Federal Trade Commission data point to common patterns: fake stores that take payment and never ship, phishing emails impersonating legitimate retailers, and fraudulent ads on social media platforms.

Younger adults and those with higher household incomes were somewhat more likely to report having been scammed, likely because they shop online more frequently. But the risk touches every demographic. The scams themselves range from small-dollar losses (under $100) to significant financial damage.

Why This Matters

Online shopping scams are not just an annoyance—they can lead to identity theft, bank account drainage, and long-term credit problems. Even when the dollar amount is small, the personal information you hand over can be sold on the dark web or used in follow‑up attacks.

The Pew report confirms that this is not a fringe problem. With more than 100 million U.S. adults potentially affected, it is a widespread hazard of modern commerce. Many scams are designed to look exactly like the real thing, right down to copied logos and domain names that differ by a single letter.

What You Can Do Right Now

Before You Buy

  • Verify the seller. If you are on an unfamiliar website, search for reviews from independent sources. Look for a physical address and working customer service phone number. Scammers often hide or fake these.
  • Check the URL carefully. A misspelled brand name (e.g., “Amaz0n” instead of “Amazon”) or an odd top‑level domain (like “.shop” or “.xyz”) can be a red flag.
  • Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. A 90% discount on the latest electronics is almost certainly a scam.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases, not a debit card or wire transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under federal law.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication on your shopping accounts and email. This makes it harder for scammers to hijack your accounts if they steal your password.

If Something Feels Wrong

  • Pause before paying. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. Take fifteen minutes to Google the site name plus the word “scam.”
  • Watch out for phishing emails that claim your order couldn’t be delivered or that your payment method failed. Never click links in unsolicited messages. Go directly to the retailer’s website instead.
  • Be skeptical of social media ads, especially those from unknown brands or accounts with few followers. Many scam shops pop up on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

If You Have Already Been Scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Ask them to reverse the charge and issue a new card if needed.
  • Change your passwords for the affected accounts and any other site where you use the same login.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track down fraudsters.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.

No single step will guarantee complete safety, but combining these habits greatly reduces your risk. The Pew data is a reminder that online shopping scams are not rare—they are a routine threat. Treating every transaction with a little skepticism is the best defense.

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. Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024.