1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online: Here’s How to Protect Yourself
If you shop online—and almost everyone does these days—there’s a decent chance you or someone you know has been taken by a scam. According to a new Pew Research Center study published in November 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a striking number, but it also reflects a reality: fraudsters are getting better at blending in with legitimate sellers.
This article walks through what the data actually says, why the problem is widespread, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to avoid becoming part of that statistic.
What the data shows
Pew’s survey found that 33% of American adults report having been the victim of an online shopping scam. That includes everything from paying for items that never arrived to receiving counterfeit goods or having payment information stolen through a fake website. The study didn’t focus on one particular type of scam, which is worth keeping in mind: the tactics vary, but the outcome is the same—you lose money or data.
The survey also noted that younger adults and those who shop frequently on social media platforms reported higher rates of fraud. That aligns with other research pointing to marketplace scams on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok as a growing vector.
Why it matters
Beyond the immediate financial loss, online shopping scams erode trust in digital commerce. For every successful scam, legitimate sellers and platforms take a reputational hit. Consumers become more cautious, and that’s not necessarily bad—but it also means that honest businesses lose sales to suspicion.
The scale matters too. One in three is not a fringe problem. It suggests that the current safeguards—both from platforms and from consumers—are not enough. And because online shopping is unlikely to slow down anytime soon, staying informed about common tactics is the only realistic defense.
Common tactics scammers use
To protect yourself, it helps to know what you’re up against. Based on consumer reports and security researchers, here are a few of the most common schemes:
- Fake websites that mimic real retailers. The URL might be off by a letter or use a slightly different top-level domain (like .shop instead of .com).
- Phishing emails or messages that claim you need to “confirm a purchase” or “update your payment method,” often with a link to a lookalike login page.
- Social media marketplace scams, where sellers list high-demand items at too-good-to-be-true prices and ask for payment upfront via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.
- Payment app fraud, where a buyer or seller pressures you to use an app that lacks purchase protection. Once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible to reverse.
How to protect yourself
There’s no bulletproof solution, but a few habits can drastically cut your risk.
Use a credit card for online purchases whenever possible. Under U.S. law, credit card issuers generally allow you to dispute fraudulent charges, and you are not liable for unauthorized transactions if you report them promptly. Debit cards and payment apps offer far less protection.
Stick to reputable sites and sellers. If you’re buying from an unfamiliar store, do a quick background check: search for the site name plus “scam” or “complaint,” and check Better Business Bureau ratings or Trustpilot reviews—keeping in mind that reviews can be faked too.
Verify the URL before entering payment information. Look for HTTPS and make sure the domain name matches the business you intend to visit. If an email or social media ad leads you to a site, type the address manually instead of clicking.
Enable purchase alerts on your credit card or bank account. Many institutions offer text or email notifications for transactions over a certain amount. This gives you early warning if someone uses your card without permission.
Avoid public Wi-Fi when paying. Hotel lobbies, coffee shops, and airport lounges are convenient, but unsecured networks make it easier for attackers to intercept your data. Use your phone’s cellular connection or a trusted VPN if you must transact on the go.
Use a password manager and two-factor authentication. A password manager helps you generate and store unique, complex passwords for each site. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer that scammers can’t bypass with just your password.
What to do if you are scammed
If you fall victim, time matters. Act quickly to limit damage.
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback or stop payment.
- Change your passwords on any accounts you used during the scam, especially the one tied to the compromised payment method.
- Monitor your accounts for unauthorized charges in the following weeks.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track patterns and sometimes pursue enforcement actions.
- If you used a payment app, report the transaction through the app’s support channels. There is no guarantee you will get your money back, but it may flag the scammer’s account.
Staying ahead of the problem
The Pew data confirms what many consumer advocates have been saying for years: online shopping scams are widespread and unlikely to disappear. But being aware of the numbers is only useful if it leads to better habits. Verify before you buy, use payment methods that protect you, and treat unsolicited offers with skepticism.
A few extra seconds of caution can save you hours of stress and potentially hundreds of dollars.
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 – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Credit card fraud protections (Regulation Z)