1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online – Here’s How to Avoid It
If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that looked like a trusted store but turned out to be a fake, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 Pew Research Center survey, about one-third of U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure is striking, but not surprising to anyone who follows consumer fraud trends.
The survey asked respondents whether they had personally experienced an online shopping scam—meaning a situation where someone tried to trick them into making a purchase that was never delivered, or where a fake website mimicked a real retailer. The results suggest that these scams are now a routine hazard of modern life.
The Scale of the Problem
Pew’s finding is based on self-reported experiences, so the actual number of people targeted could be higher—some victims may not realize they were scammed, or may not define it as a scam. Still, 33% is a large enough share to indicate that online shopping fraud is pervasive.
Common scam types include:
- Fake websites: Fraudsters set up sites that look like legitimate retailers, often using slightly altered domain names (e.g., “amazon-shop.net” instead of “amazon.com”).
- Non-delivery scams: You pay for an item, but it never ships. The seller disappears after receiving payment.
- Phishing emails or ads: You receive a message that appears to be from a well-known brand with a “too good to be true” deal. Clicking the link leads to a site that steals your payment info or login credentials.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network receives millions of fraud reports each year, and online shopping scams consistently rank among the top categories.
Why This Matters for Everyday Shoppers
Online shopping is now the default for millions of people. Scammers know this and have become more sophisticated. A single incident can cost you anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds, and in some cases can lead to identity theft if you share personal information beyond payment details.
The Pew data shows this isn’t a niche problem—it affects people across age groups, income levels, and regions. The risk is particularly high during holiday seasons or around major sales events, when shoppers are more likely to act quickly on deals.
How to Protect Yourself
You don’t need advanced tech skills to avoid most online shopping scams. A few habits can make a real difference.
Check the URL before you buy. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual domain extensions. If a site claims to be a major retailer but the address looks odd, leave immediately.
Be skeptical of prices that are far below market value. If a new laptop is listed at 80% off, there is almost certainly a catch. Scammers rely on the lure of a bargain to override your caution.
Avoid using debit cards or direct bank transfers for online purchases. Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection, and you can dispute charges. Payment apps like PayPal also have buyer protection programs, though terms vary. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are nearly impossible to recover.
Read reviews—but carefully. Fake reviews are common. Look for verified purchase badges, check multiple sources, and watch for patterns of generic praise or complaints about non-delivery.
Never make a purchase over public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Public networks can be intercepted, exposing your payment info. If you must shop on your phone, use mobile data or a trusted VPN.
If an email or ad urges you to “act now,” pause. Scammers create artificial urgency to prevent you from verifying the offer. Legitimate retailers rarely pressure you into an immediate decision.
What to Do If You Are Scammed
If you realize you’ve been tricked, take these steps quickly:
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge. Most cards have a 60-day window for fraud claims.
- Change passwords for the account you used, and for any other accounts that share that password.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps track patterns and warn others.
- Consider a credit freeze if you shared sensitive personal information (like your Social Security number). Freezing your credit is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
Staying Ahead of Scammers
The most effective defense is simple awareness. Knowing that one in three Americans has already fallen for an online shopping scam should be enough to make anyone cautious. That statistic is a reminder that scams are not rare anomalies—they are a routine part of the digital landscape. By adopting a few careful habits, you can reduce your odds of becoming part of the next survey’s statistic.
Sources: Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them” (Nov. 2025); Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network databook (2024).