One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online: What the New Pew Data Means for You

If you’ve ever clicked on a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up with nothing but an empty bank account, you’re in good company. A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That number might feel high, but for anyone who has followed the steady rise in fraud reports, it comes as little surprise.

The same study, published in November 2025, surveyed U.S. adults about a range of digital threats, and online shopping scams stood out as one of the most common. With holiday sales, Mother’s Day, and Black Friday all driving heavy shopping traffic, the risk is especially acute right now. This article breaks down what the research shows, why it matters, and—most importantly—how you can avoid becoming part of that statistic.

What Happened

Pew’s survey, conducted in the fall of 2025, asked Americans whether they had ever fallen for an online shopping scam—defined broadly as paying for something online that never arrived, or that turned out to be counterfeit, significantly different from what was advertised, or purchased through a deceptive website or ad. Just over 30% of respondents said yes.

That finding aligns with other data: the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost roughly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, with online shopping scams accounting for a large share. But Pew’s research is notable because it captures the prevalence across the general population, not just those who reported losses.

The report also highlighted that scams are often seasonal. For example, news outlets have recently warned about fake florist websites popping up ahead of Mother’s Day, peddling bouquets that never get delivered. Likewise, Black Friday brings a surge in phishing emails disguised as retailer promotions, luring shoppers to fake checkout pages. The pattern is consistent: scammers follow the calendar.

Why It Matters

One in three is not a fringe problem. If you shop online regularly—and most Americans do—the odds that you’ll encounter a scam attempt at some point are high. Pew also found that younger adults and those with lower digital literacy are more vulnerable, though no age group is immune.

The consequences go beyond the immediate financial loss. Victims often face months of frustration trying to get refunds, disputing charges, or dealing with stolen credit card information. In some cases, scammers collect enough personal data to commit identity theft, which can take years to resolve.

The timing is important. Holiday shopping seasons concentrate online transactions and create urgency—scammers know that people are looking for deals and may click faster than they normally would. A fake “50% off” banner on social media can look convincing, especially when it comes from a friend’s compromised account.

What Readers Can Do

The good news is that most online shopping scams are preventable with a few straightforward habits. Here is a practical checklist:

Know the Most Common Scam Types

  • Fake websites and listings: Scammers set up sites that look like legitimate stores. They may use a slightly misspelled URL (e.g., “amazzon-deals.com”) or advertise high-demand items at impossibly low prices.
  • Phishing emails and texts: Messages that appear to be from a retailer asking you to “verify your account” or “confirm payment” often lead to fake login pages designed to steal credentials.
  • Gift card scams: A seller demands payment in gift cards (e.g., Amazon, iTunes) and then disappears. Legitimate businesses never ask for gift cards as payment.
  • Fake customer support: After a purchase, you receive a call or email claiming there was a problem with your order. The “support agent” asks for your credit card number to “fix” it.

Spot Red Flags

  • Too-good-to-be-true prices: If a new iPhone is listed for $200, it’s almost certainly a scam.
  • Urgent payment requests: Scammers try to rush you with phrases like “limited stock” or “offer ends today.”
  • Suspicious URLs: Hover over links before clicking. Look for misspellings, extra characters, or unusual top-level domains (.shop, .xyz).
  • Poor site quality: Grammatical errors, missing contact information, or no return policy are warning signs.

Protect Yourself

  • Shop on reputable sites: Stick with well-known retailers or marketplaces with buyer protection policies (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Walmart). If you’re trying a new site, search for reviews and check the Better Business Bureau.
  • Use a credit card, not a debit card: Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. With a debit card, the money is gone from your account immediately, and getting it back can be slower.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra step to log into your shopping accounts. Even if a scammer gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.
  • Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages: Instead, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser or use a bookmark.

If You Are Scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They can stop payment or reverse the charge if you report it quickly.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps agencies track trends and may assist in shutting down fraudulent operations.
  • Consider freezing your credit if you gave out sensitive information like your Social Security number. A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
  • Change your passwords on any accounts that may have been compromised.

Staying Alert Without Getting Paranoid

Online shopping is convenient and generally safe if you stay mindful. The Pew data is a useful reminder that scams are common, but not inevitable. By recognizing the patterns—the too-good-to-be-true deals, the urgent emails, the fake websites—you can protect both your money and your peace of mind.

Share these tips with family and friends, especially those who may be less tech-savvy. The more people know what to look for, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

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 31, 2025.
  • Tri-City Herald. “Fake florist scams: What to watch out for this Mother’s Day.” April 29, 2026.
  • Fingerlakes1.com. “BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS: What to watch out for online this year.” November 20, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2022.”