1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Spot One

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal that turned out to be fake, you’re not alone. A new study from the Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, found that about one in three U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a staggering number, and it comes at a time when holiday shopping peaks and scam attempts surge.

What the Pew Data Shows

According to Pew’s report titled “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam,” roughly 33% of adults reported falling victim at some point. The study also highlighted that scams are especially common on mobile apps and social media platforms—where many consumers now shop. Younger adults and those who frequently use social media for purchases were more likely to be affected.

Pew’s broader research on online fraud, published earlier in 2025, complements these findings. It shows that phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent social media ads are among the most common vectors. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has similarly noted a spike in shopping-related complaints during November and December, aligning with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Why This Matters Right Now

The scale of the problem is larger than many realize. One in three is not a niche issue—it affects millions of households. Beyond the immediate financial loss, being scammed can lead to stolen payment details, compromised accounts, and a long process of recovering money or disputing charges. For victims who used irreversible payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards, recovery is often impossible.

During the holiday rush, scammers exploit urgency and distraction. Deals that seem too good to be true—like a new smartphone for half price or heavily discounted luxury goods—are designed to bypass your better judgment. Scammers also impersonate well-known retailers or use fake customer reviews to build false trust.

How to Protect Yourself

The good news is that most shopping scams are avoidable with a few simple habits. Here’s what you can do, whether you’re shopping on a phone, a laptop, or through a social media app.

Before you buy:

  • Research the seller. If you’re on a site you don’t know, search for the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Look for an actual phone number and physical address.
  • Read reviews carefully. Be skeptical of reviews that are overly generic or all five stars. Check multiple sources.
  • Check the URL. Fake retailer sites often use slight misspellings or unusual domain endings like .xyz or .shop. Make sure the site uses HTTPS (the padlock icon), though that alone is no guarantee of safety.
  • Pay with a credit card or a service like PayPal Goods & Services. These offer fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges. Avoid debit cards, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—those are nearly impossible to reverse.

During checkout:

  • Watch for high-pressure tactics. Scammers often say “only 2 left” or “offer expires in 10 minutes” to rush you.
  • If a site asks for unusual payment methods, stop. Legitimate retailers never demand payment by gift card or wire transfer.
  • Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or ads. If a deal sounds amazing, go directly to the retailer’s official website rather than clicking a link from a social media post or email.

If you think you’ve been scammed:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can freeze the card, stop payment, and start a dispute.
  • Report the fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps them track trends and take action.
  • Change passwords on any accounts that may be compromised. Use a unique, strong password for each site.
  • Report the ad or profile on the platform where you encountered it (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).

Extra Vigilance for the Holiday Season

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime hunting grounds for scammers. If you’re shopping during these events:

  • Stick to retailers you know and trust. If you’re tempted by a sale from an unfamiliar brand, do your checks before clicking “buy.”
  • Be wary of ads showing huge discounts on popular electronics or designer items. Common scams include fake Ray-Bans, AirPods, and gaming consoles.
  • Use purchase alerts from your bank so you’re notified immediately of any transaction.

The Bottom Line

Shopping online is convenient, but it comes with real risks. The Pew data makes clear that scams are common enough that most of us either have been hit or know someone who has. The good news is that awareness and a few straightforward precautions can make all the difference. Take a moment to verify before you pay, and you’ll dramatically lower your chances of becoming another statistic.

Sources:

  • Pew Research Center, “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam,” November 19, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov and annual consumer complaint data.