1 in 3 Americans Have Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: What to Watch For

A new survey from Pew Research Center shows that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally been the victim of an online shopping scam. That figure is a reminder that fraudulent sellers and fake storefronts are not rare anomalies – they are a routine hazard for anyone buying goods or services over the internet. The risk is especially high during busy shopping periods, when people are browsing quickly and may let their guard down.

What the Pew Survey Found

Pew’s report, published in November 2025, surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. About 33% reported that they had experienced an online shopping scam – meaning a transaction where they paid for something but never received it, or the item was significantly different from what was advertised, or they were tricked into sharing financial details under the guise of a purchase.

The survey also indicated that scams are not limited to any single platform. Fraud occurs through fake retailer websites, emails that impersonate legitimate companies, social media ads, and peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. The common thread is that scammers exploit trust and urgency.

Why This Matters for Everyday Shoppers

Beyond the immediate financial loss – which can range from a few dollars to several hundred – online shopping scams can lead to identity theft or unauthorized charges on credit cards. Payment apps often offer limited chargeback protections compared to credit cards, so victims may have little recourse if they send money to a scammer. Additionally, the experience can erode confidence in e-commerce, making people hesitant to shop online even from reputable businesses.

The Pew data underscores that this is not a fringe issue. With e‑commerce continuing to grow, the number of potential victims will likely stay high. Knowing what to look for and how to react is therefore a practical skill, not just a theoretical precaution.

Practical Steps to Avoid Falling Victim

1. Verify the seller before you pay.
If you’re shopping on a site you don’t know, check for a physical address and a working customer service phone number. Look for reviews on independent platforms, not just testimonials on the store’s own site. A domain that was registered only a few months ago is a red flag – you can check domain age using a WHOIS lookup.

2. Be wary of deals that seem too good.
Unrealistically low prices are one of the most common bait tactics. Scammers count on impulse buying. Before clicking “buy,” compare the price with other retailers. If it’s dramatically lower, there’s often a catch.

3. Watch how you pay.
Credit cards generally offer the strongest fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges. Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, or peer-to‑peer payment app for purchases from unfamiliar sellers. Those methods are nearly impossible to reverse.

4. Spot phishing attempts.
Emails or texts that say there’s a problem with your order, or that ask you to log in to your account, should be treated with suspicion. Go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking links in the message.

5. Use caution with social media ads.
Many fraudulent listings appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. While plenty of small businesses advertise legitimately, the low barrier to entry also makes it easy for scammers to post fake offers. Research the seller behind the ad.

What to Do If You Are Scammed

If you realize you’ve been defrauded, act quickly:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback.
  • Change the passwords on your shopping accounts and any accounts that share the same password.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • If the scam originated on a social media platform or marketplace, report the seller’s profile or listing to the platform’s support team.
  • Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for any further suspicious activity.

No one is immune to scams, but knowing the most common patterns can help you make better decisions in the moment. A cautious few extra seconds can save you hours of hassle later.

Sources:
Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 2025. Available at pewresearch.org.