1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online: How to Protect Yourself

A new survey from the Pew Research Center finds that roughly one in three U.S. adults have fallen victim to an online shopping scam at some point. With holiday shopping season underway, that number is a reminder to review your habits before clicking “buy.”

What happened

Pew’s report, published November 19, 2025, shows that 33% of Americans say they’ve personally experienced an online shopping scam. That includes everything from counterfeit goods and fake storefronts to phishing emails that mimic real retailers. The survey did not specify how recently the scams occurred, but it confirms that fraud is now a routine risk of e-commerce, not a rare exception.

Why it matters

Online shopping has become the norm for millions of people, and scammers have adapted accordingly. They know that during peak seasons like the holidays, shoppers are moving fast, looking for deals, and may let their guard down. The Pew data suggests that if you shop online regularly, the odds are good that you or someone you know will face a scam attempt. Beyond the financial loss, these incidents can lead to stolen payment information, identity theft, and weeks of hassle fixing fraudulent charges.

The consequences go beyond individual wallets. Consumer trust in online transactions erodes when fraud is widespread, and small businesses that rely on legitimate e-commerce can suffer when customers become wary of all unfamiliar sites. Knowing how to spot red flags isn’t just a personal benefit—it helps keep the broader marketplace safer.

How to protect yourself

You don’t need to avoid online shopping entirely. Most scams follow predictable patterns that you can learn to recognize.

Know common scam types
Fake websites are a frequent culprit. Scammers register domain names that look like major retailers (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.com”) or create entirely bogus stores that sell popular items at impossibly low prices. Social media ads are another vector; a heavily discounted product promoted by an unknown account may lead to a phishing site or a never-delivered order. Phishing emails that claim a problem with your payment or your account are also common, often directing you to a fake login page.

Watch for red flags

  • Prices that are far below market value. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
  • Poor website quality: typos, odd URLs, missing contact information, or no return policy.
  • Payment requests via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Legitimate businesses accept credit cards and established payment services.
  • Pressure to act quickly (“Only 2 items left at this price!”). Scammers want to bypass your critical thinking.

Use secure payment methods
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. If you use payment apps, only send money to people or businesses you know well. Never use “Friends and Family” options for a purchase—they lack buyer protection.

Verify sellers before buying
Search for the business name plus words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Check the site’s physical address and phone number. Look up the domain registration date; a site registered two months ago with no history is a warning sign.

Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases
Unsecured networks can allow attackers to intercept your payment details. Use your mobile data or a VPN if you’re on the go.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you realize a purchase was a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and request a new card if your number was compromised. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Keep screenshots of the transaction, emails, and the website. Change passwords on any accounts you used during the purchase. Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity over the following weeks.

The best defense is a cautious approach before you pay. The Pew survey shows that online shopping scams are widespread, but they are also avoidable with a few straightforward habits. Staying skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, verifying sellers, and using secure payment methods will reduce your odds significantly.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 19, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission, reportfraud.ftc.gov.