1 in 3 Americans Have Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Online shopping has become routine for most people, but it also comes with risks that are more common than many realize. New data from the Pew Research Center shows that about a third of Americans say they’ve personally experienced an online shopping scam. That figure is a reminder that fraud is not rare, and that basic precautions can make a real difference.

What happened

Pew surveyed U.S. adults and found that roughly 33 percent reported having an online shopping scam happen to them. The research, published in late 2025, also looked at other types of online fraud, but the shopping scam numbers stood out because they affect such a large portion of the population. The study did not break down how much money people lost, but this self-reported figure suggests that millions of Americans have encountered a fraudulent transaction, fake storefront, or deceptive ad.

Why it matters

Shopping scams are not minor annoyances. Victims can lose money, have their payment details stolen, or face identity theft. Unlike a faulty product you can return, a scam may leave you with no recourse if you used a payment method that lacks fraud protection. Many scams are designed to be hard to trace—fake websites often disappear within hours, and social media advertisements can be placed anonymously.

The convenience of one-click purchases and mobile payment apps has also lowered the barrier for scammers. People are used to acting fast on deals, and fraudsters exploit that impulse. Understanding that one in three shoppers has been affected should encourage everyone to slow down before hitting “buy.”

What readers can do

There is no single method to guarantee you won’t be scammed, but a few habits can reduce your risk substantially.

Recognize the most common scam types

  • Fake websites: These mimic legitimate retailers, often using a slightly misspelled domain name (like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Phishing emails: Emails that appear to be from a store or shipping company, asking you to click a link to “confirm your order” or “track a package.”
  • Social media ads: Targeted ads that lead to scam stores, especially on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
  • Payment app fraud: A seller asks you to send money via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle before shipping an item. These apps are not designed for purchases and offer limited protection.

Watch for red flags

Pew’s data did not specify which scams are most common, but industry reports consistently point to these warning signs:

  • Price too good to be true: A luxury handbag for $20 or a new smartphone for $100 is almost certainly counterfeit or a stolen payment ploy.
  • Pressure to act quickly: “Only 2 left at this price” or “offer expires in an hour” are tactics to make you skip research.
  • Unusual payment methods: Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are almost always scams.
  • Suspicious URLs: Hover over any link before clicking. If the domain looks random or does not match the store name, do not proceed.
  • No contact information: Legitimate businesses have a physical address, customer service phone number, and return policy. Scam sites often omit these.

Practical protection tips

  • Use a credit card when possible. Under U.S. law, credit card fraud liability is limited to $50, and many issuers offer zero liability. Debit cards, by contrast, can drain your bank account immediately, and recovering funds can take weeks. Avoid using payment apps for purchases from unknown sellers.
  • Verify the seller. If you find a product through an ad or search engine, check the store’s history. Look for independent reviews, not just testimonials on the site itself. Services like the Better Business Bureau can help, though they are not foolproof.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts and email. This adds a second step to log in, making it harder for scammers to access your account if they steal your password.
  • Check the URL carefully before entering payment information. Look for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar, though keep in mind that scammers can also obtain SSL certificates. The padlock is not a guarantee of legitimacy.
  • Be skeptical of social media recommendations. Many influencers promote products they have not tried. The FTC requires influencers to disclose paid partnerships, but that disclosure can be easy to miss.

What to do if you have been scammed

If you suspect you have fallen for a shopping scam, act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the transaction as unauthorized. Most banks will investigate and may reverse the charge if you act within a reasonable timeframe.
  2. Change your passwords for the account you used and any other accounts that share the same password. Use a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords.
  3. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov. You do not need to provide your personal details if you prefer to remain anonymous. The FTC uses these reports to track scams and may take action against repeat offenders.
  4. If you sent money via a payment app like Venmo or Cash App, contact the app’s support. These apps often have dispute resolution processes, but be aware that they do not guarantee refunds for buyer’s remorse or scams.
  5. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any other suspicious charges over the following weeks. Scammers sometimes sell your information to other fraudsters.

Staying vigilant

The Pew Research Center’s finding—that about a third of Americans say they have had an online shopping scam happen to them—highlights how widespread this problem has become. But awareness alone does not prevent fraud. The practical steps above can help you avoid the most common pitfalls. No precaution is perfect, but a few seconds of extra scrutiny each time you buy something online can save you hours of hassle later.