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

If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a deal that looked too good to be true, then watched the package never arrive, you’re far from alone. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about a third of American adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 80 million people, and the number has been climbing steadily as more of our spending shifts to digital storefronts.

The survey, conducted in November 2025, asked respondents about a range of digital fraud and online shopping scams. The results are sobering: 31% of U.S. adults reported that they had been the victim of an online shopping scam at some point. Younger adults (ages 18–29) were somewhat more likely than older groups to say they had been scammed, though the difference was not dramatic. The report also noted that scams often involve fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, non-delivery of goods, and phishing emails that appear to come from trusted companies.

Why this matters goes beyond individual losses. Online shopping scams erode trust in e‑commerce and can lead to financial hardship, especially when thieves gain access to payment accounts or personal information. Many victims never recover the money they lost, and some end up dealing with identity theft that takes months to resolve. With the holiday shopping season upon us, the risk is even higher. Fraudsters know people are hunting for bargains and are more likely to click impulsively.

So what can you do to protect yourself? The best defense is a mix of skepticism and good habits.

Recognize the red flags.

  • Prices that are far below what you’d see elsewhere, especially on hard‑to‑find items.
  • Sellers who demand payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These methods offer no buyer protection.
  • Websites with sloppy grammar, missing contact information, or no clear return policy.
  • Pop‑ups or emails that pressure you to act immediately (“Limited stock! Buy now or lose the deal!”).

Shop smart.

  • Stick with well‑known retailers or sellers you’ve used before. If you try a new site, search for reviews from independent sources.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases when possible. Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps.
  • Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. Instead, type the store’s URL directly into your browser.
  • Keep your devices and antivirus software updated.

If you’ve been scammed, act quickly.

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge.
  2. Change passwords for any accounts you think may have been compromised.
  3. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  4. Place a fraud alert on your credit files if personal information was stolen.

No one is immune, but a cautious approach can cut your risk significantly. The Pew survey is a useful reminder that even savvy shoppers can be fooled. The goal isn’t to stop buying online—it’s to slow down, verify, and pay in ways that give you a safety net.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “What to Do If You Were Scammed.”