1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Stay Safe

If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true ad, entered your card info on a lookalike site, or paid a “seller” via a payment app for something that never arrived, you’re not alone. New research from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one in three online shoppers who have lost money, had their identity stolen, or dealt with a fraudulent transaction.

Online shopping is convenient, but the same ease that lets you buy a winter coat from your couch also makes it easy for scammers to set up shop. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 2.8 million fraud reports, with online shopping scams consistently ranking among the top categories. The numbers underscore a simple reality: scams are common, and they can happen to anyone.

What Happened? The Pew Research Findings

Pew’s survey, conducted in November 2025, asked U.S. adults about their experience with various types of online fraud. One key finding: 32% of respondents said they personally had an online shopping scam happen to them. That includes everything from fake websites that mimic real retailers, phishing emails that look like shipping notifications, to fraud involving payment apps like Venmo or Cash App.

The research also highlighted that younger adults, particularly those who shop via social media or influencer links, are more likely to encounter scams. But the risk extends across age groups—no one is fully immune.

Why It Matters

A single online shopping scam can mean more than just a lost payment. Depending on the situation, scammers may also gain access to your email, home address, or banking details. In some cases, they use stolen information to open credit accounts in your name. With holiday seasons or big sale events pushing more people to buy online, the danger spikes—but even during quiet months, scammers are active.

The reason these scams work so well is that they often look legitimate. A fake site may have the same logo and color scheme as a major retailer. An email might say “Package Delayed” with a link that appears to come from FedEx or USPS. The red flags can be subtle, but they are almost always there.

What Readers Can Do: Prevention and Response

The best defense is knowing what to look for before you click “buy.”

Before You Buy: A Quick Checklist

  • Research the seller. If you’re buying from a store you haven’t used before, search for “[store name] scam” or “reviews.” Check for complaints on the Better Business Bureau site or Trustpilot.
  • Look for secure connections. The website’s URL should begin with “https://” (the “s” stands for secure). A padlock icon in the address bar is a good sign, but not a guarantee—some scam sites also use HTTPS. It’s one layer, not the only one.
  • Use a credit card, not a debit card or payment app. Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection under federal law. If a scam occurs, you can dispute the charge and not lose cash from your bank account. Debit cards and payment apps like Venmo or Cash App often don’t have the same protections; money sent via those apps is often gone for good.
  • Be wary of deals that are too cheap. If a new iPhone is listed for $200, it’s almost certainly a scam. Scammers lure shoppers with low prices and then disappear after payment.
  • Read the return policy and contact information. Legitimate retailers have clearly listed return policies, a physical address, and a customer service phone number or email. If that info is missing or vague, proceed with caution.
  • Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Fake shipping notifications are a classic trick. Instead of clicking the link in an email or text, go directly to the carrier’s website and track your package there.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Even careful shoppers can be fooled. If you realize you’ve been scammed, act quickly.

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the fraud and ask for a chargeback if you used a credit card. They can also cancel the card to prevent further misuse.
  2. Report the scam to the FTC. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file a report. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns and may assist in shutting down the operation.
  3. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you entered login credentials on a fake site, scammers may try to use them on other accounts. Use unique passwords for each site and turn on 2FA wherever possible.
  4. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly over the next few weeks. If you see unauthorized charges, report them.
  5. Consider freezing your credit. If your Social Security number or other sensitive info was exposed, place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.

Staying Ahead of the Scammers

The Pew stat—one in three Americans affected—should serve as a reminder that online shopping scams are not rare. They are widespread and evolving. But you don’t need to avoid online shopping altogether. A few habits—paying with a credit card, double-checking URLs, and ignoring unsolicited links—go a long way toward keeping your money and personal information safe.

If a deal seems too good, take a minute. Verify. And when in doubt, walk away.

Sources: Pew Research Center (November 2025 survey on online scams); Federal Trade Commission (2023 Fraud Reports).