1 in 3 Americans Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself This Season
Intro
A new report from Pew Research Center puts a number on something many of us have suspected: online shopping scams are widespread. According to the study published in November 2025, about one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a large share of the population, and with holiday shopping season in full swing, the risk only increases.
This article explains what the data tells us, why it matters now, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid becoming part of that statistic.
What happened
Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults and found that roughly 33% reported being the target or victim of an online shopping scam. The report was released on November 19, 2025, and aligns with earlier Pew research on digital fraud, including a broader study from July 2025 on online scams and attacks in America. The shopping-specific figure is notable because online retail continues to grow, and scammers have become more sophisticated in mimicking legitimate stores, payment portals, and customer service contacts.
The survey did not break down exactly what types of scams were most common, but adjunct reporting from outlets like Fingerlakes1.com (covering Black Friday scams) and the Tech Transparency Project (on deepfake scam ads on Meta) suggest that deceptive ads, fake websites, and phishing emails are among the top methods.
Why it matters
Holiday shopping creates a perfect environment for scammers. People are in a rush, looking for deals, and often less cautious with their payment information. Many shoppers are using mobile phones—Pew noted in 2022 that a majority of Americans use phones for shopping—which can make it harder to spot suspicious URLs or fine print.
Beyond the immediate financial loss, online shopping scams can lead to identity theft, compromised credit card information, and fraudulent charges that take time and effort to resolve. The emotional toll—embarrassment, frustration, and loss of trust in online platforms—is also real. With one in three people already affected, the odds are that you or someone you know will encounter a scam this season. Knowing how to recognize and avoid them is the best defense.
What readers can do
Below is a practical guide built from common patterns observed by consumer protection agencies and security researchers. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the scams most likely to appear during holiday sales.
Top scams to watch for
- Fake retailer websites – Scammers create sites that look nearly identical to known brands (e.g., a slight misspelling in the URL). They often offer steep discounts to lure you in.
- Phishing emails pretending to be from stores – Messages claiming you have a problem with an order, a limited-time coupon, or a refund waiting. The links lead to fake login pages that steal your credentials.
- Social media ads with too-good-to-be-true prices – Paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok that promote luxury goods or electronics at huge markdowns. Many lead to fraudulent checkout pages.
- Payment fraud – Sellers who insist on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate merchants accept credit cards and established payment processors.
- “Order confirmation” scams – You receive a receipt for something you never bought, with a phone number to call to cancel. That call is a premium-rate number or a social engineering attempt.
Red flags before clicking “buy”
- The URL looks odd or uses a generic domain like .shop, .xyz, or a misspelled brand name.
- The website has no contact information or only a Gmail address.
- Prices are 50–70% lower than anywhere else (especially for popular items).
- The site asks for more personal information than necessary (e.g., Social Security number, bank account details).
- Payment options are limited to wire transfer, Venmo/CashApp (business accounts can be legitimate, but be cautious), or cryptocurrency.
Prevention checklist
- Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or digital wallets.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your email and payment accounts. This makes it harder for scammers to take over accounts even if they get your password.
- Research the seller. Search the store name plus “scam” or “review” to see if others have reported problems.
- Check the URL carefully before entering payment details. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon, but know that even secure connections don’t guarantee legitimacy.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Use a trusted mobile network or a VPN if you must use public Wi-Fi.
- Keep your browser and antivirus software updated.
If you think you’ve been scammed
Act quickly. The faster you respond, the better your chances of recovering money or limiting damage.
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and request a chargeback.
- Change passwords on the accounts you used (email, the store site, and any linked payment services).
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report fake ads to the platform where you found them.
- If you shared sensitive information (like your Social Security number), consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Freezes are free and prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any other unauthorized transactions.
Sources
- Pew Research Center, “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam,” November 19, 2025. (Link provided in fact notes.)
- Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 31, 2025.
- Tech Transparency Project, “Meta Awash in Deepfake Scam Ads,” October 1, 2025.
- Fingerlakes1.com, “BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS: What to watch out for online this year,” November 20, 2025.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Scam tactics evolve, so always stay alert and verify before you pay.