Online Shopping Scams Are More Common Than You Think – and How to Avoid Them

If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a deal that seemed too good to be true, only to receive nothing or a cheap imitation, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure covers a wide range of fraud – from fake websites that collect your payment info but never ship anything, to ads on social media that lead to counterfeit goods or outright theft.

The timing matters. With Mother’s Day, Black Friday, and the winter holidays all approaching, scammers are especially active. Understanding the scale of the problem can help you spot the warning signs before you lose money or personal data.

What Happened

The Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults and found that roughly 32% report having fallen victim to some form of online shopping scam. That includes incidents where someone paid for an item that never arrived, received a product that was significantly different from what was advertised, or had their payment information stolen during a transaction. The survey is part of a broader look at how Americans experience online fraud and cybersecurity threats.

The research also shows that scams are not limited to any one platform. They can appear on major e‑commerce sites, in sponsored social media posts, through email offers, or on standalone websites that mimic legitimate retailers.

Why It Matters

When you lose money in a scam, the immediate hit is obvious. But the consequences often go beyond the purchase price. Scammers may capture your credit card number, email address, or even enough personal details to attempt identity theft. For many people, the embarrassment of being tricked also keeps them from reporting the crime, which means scammers can keep operating with little risk.

One especially common type of fraud is the “fake florist” scam, which tends to spike around holidays like Mother’s Day. As reported by the Tri‑City Herald in April 2026, these sites look professional and offer flowers at attractive prices, but they never deliver the arrangement. Instead, they pocket the payment and leave the buyer scrambling for a last‑minute gift. The same pattern appears for electronics, clothing, and seasonal items.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has documented billions of dollars in losses to online shopping scams in recent years. Because so many people shop from their phones or follow links from social media, it’s easier than ever for a slick ad to look legitimate.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to reduce your risk. The following steps can help you avoid most common online shopping scams:

  • Use a credit card – Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge.
  • Check the website’s URL – Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. Be wary of odd domain names or misspellings (for example, “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Research the seller – If you’re buying from a small shop or a social media ad, search for the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Read reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot – but keep in mind that reviews themselves can be faked.
  • Avoid wire transfers and gift cards – Legitimate businesses rarely ask you to pay with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. If a seller insists on one of those methods, it’s a red flag.
  • Don’t rush – Scammers often create urgency (“limited stock,” “deal ends today”) to prevent you from thinking critically. Take a few minutes to verify the offer.
  • Keep your software updated – Whether you’re shopping on a phone or a laptop, running the latest updates helps protect against malware that might capture your information.
  • If it looks too good to be true, it probably is – The simplest rule still works. A 90% discount on a popular gadget is almost always a trap.

If you do fall for a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to stop the payment. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For identity theft concerns, you can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus. Your local consumer protection office may be able to help as well.

No one is immune, and the Pew data makes clear that this is a widespread problem. The best defense is to stay aware and treat every online transaction with a healthy dose of caution.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam.” November 19, 2025.
  • Tri‑City Herald. “Fake florist scams: What to watch out for this Mother’s Day.” April 29, 2026.
  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
  • Fingerlakes1.com. “BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS: What to watch out for online this year.” November 20, 2025.