1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link in a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up with a drained bank account, you are not alone. New data from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, shows that about a third of American adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That is roughly 85 million people—and the number is likely higher because many incidents go unreported.

The problem is widespread, but it is not unavoidable. This article explains what the data reveals, why it matters for everyday consumers, and what you can actually do to avoid losing money.

What Happened

The Pew survey asked Americans whether they had ever been the target or victim of an online shopping scam. One in three said yes. The most common forms reported included:

  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, often with slight misspellings in the URL (e.g., “amaz0n.com”).
  • Phishing emails or texts that appear to come from a known store or delivery service, asking you to confirm payment details or click a link.
  • Payment app fraud on platforms like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, where scammers trick buyers into sending money with no buyer protection.
  • Counterfeit goods sold through social media ads or third-party marketplaces, often at deep discounts.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2024, consumers lost more than $8.8 billion to fraud overall, with online shopping scams ranking among the top categories. People aged 18 to 44 were especially likely to fall victim, partly because they use social media shopping features and payment apps more frequently.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams do more than waste money. They can lead to identity theft, compromised credit card numbers, and long-term damage to your financial health. Because scammers constantly update their tactics, even cautious shoppers can be caught off guard. The Pew data underscores that this is not a fringe problem—it affects a large cross-section of Americans, regardless of income, education, or geography.

Another concern is how these scams erode trust in legitimate online businesses. If people become afraid to buy anything online, small retailers and honest sellers also suffer. The problem is structural, not just individual.

What Readers Can Do

You cannot prevent every scam, but you can dramatically lower your odds by following these steps.

Before You Buy

  • Verify the seller. If you are buying from a store you do not know, search for the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Look for independent reviews and check the Better Business Bureau website. Be cautious of brand-new websites with very few reviews.
  • Check the URL and contact info. A legitimate store will have a working phone number, physical address, and customer service email. Look for “https” in the address bar, though that alone is not a guarantee of safety.
  • Avoid deals that are too good to be true. A 90% discount on a popular item is rarely a real sale. Scammers use pricing pressure to make you act without thinking.
  • Use a credit card or a payment service with buyer protection. Credit cards often allow chargebacks if you do not receive the product. Payment apps like PayPal Goods and Services offer some protection, but sending money via “friends and family” (or through plain Venmo/Cash App) usually does not.

While Shopping

  • Never click links in unsolicited emails or texts. If a message claims a package is delayed or your account is locked, go directly to the official website or app. Do not use the link provided.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts and payment apps. This adds a second step (like a text code) before someone can access your account, even if they have your password.

If You’ve Been Scammed

Act fast. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of recovering money or preventing further damage.

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the transaction as fraudulent and ask them to reverse it. Many banks have a limited window (often 60 days) for chargebacks.
  2. Freeze your credit at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if the scammer obtained your Social Security number or other sensitive data. Freezing is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
  3. Change your passwords for the affected accounts and any others that use the same password. Use a password manager to generate unique, strong passwords.
  4. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns. You can also file a complaint with your state consumer protection office.
  5. Monitor your accounts for the next few months. Look for small test charges that might signal stolen card numbers being sold. Set up alerts for transactions over a certain amount.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center (November 2025). “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.”
  • Federal Trade Commission (2025). “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024.”
  • Pew Research Center (September 2022). “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns.”