1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Online Shopping: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that turned out to be a fake store, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 report from Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That figure is a reminder that while online shopping is convenient, it also comes with real risks—especially during the holiday season when deals are everywhere and scammers are most active.
What the Data Shows
Pew’s survey found that 32% of U.S. adults report having experienced an online shopping scam. That includes situations where someone paid for goods they never received, purchased from a fraudulent website, or was tricked by a phishing email posing as a retailer. The numbers were higher among younger adults and those who shop frequently on social media or use payment apps like Venmo and Cash App.
This isn’t an isolated problem. Earlier in 2025, Pew also reported that roughly half of Americans have been targeted by some form of online scam or attack. Shopping scams are just one piece of a larger picture, but they’re particularly common because they exploit a behavior nearly everyone does: looking for a good deal.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of this data is important. Holiday shopping is already underway, and scammers know that people are in a hurry, distracted, and more willing to click “Buy” on unfamiliar sites. Payment app fraud, fake listings on social media marketplaces, and phishing emails that mimic Amazon or Walmart are all on the rise. A single mistake can cost you not just the money you lost, but also your personal and financial information.
The stakes are higher than ever because many payment methods offer limited protection. Credit cards typically let you dispute charges, but payment apps like Venmo and Cash App—unless you use the “goods and services” option—often leave you with no recourse if you don’t receive the item.
How to Protect Yourself
You don’t need to stop shopping online, but a few habits can make a big difference.
Stick to known retailers when possible. If you find a deal on a site you’ve never heard of, do a quick search for the store name plus “scam” or “review.” Look for signs of a legitimate business, like a physical address, customer service phone number, and clear return policy.
Check the URL carefully. Scammers often register addresses that look almost real—like “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Watch for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. If a brand new gadget is offered at 70% off, that’s a red flag. Scammers rely on the impulse to snap up a bargain before it’s gone.
Use a credit card or PayPal’s “goods and services” option instead of direct bank transfers or cash payment apps. Credit cards give you the strongest ability to dispute a charge. With PayPal, the “goods and services” option adds buyer protection for a small fee.
Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or text messages. If you get a message that claims to be from a retailer and asks you to verify your account or enter payment info, go directly to the retailer’s website and log in from there.
Enable two-factor authentication on your payment accounts. This adds an extra layer of security that makes it harder for scammers to use your information.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly, and set up purchase alerts so you’re notified immediately of any charges.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you do fall victim, act quickly.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the charge and ask for a reversal. Time is critical—many banks have limited windows for disputes.
Change the passwords on any accounts you may have compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each site.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. While they can’t recover your money, your report helps them track patterns and shut down fraudulent operations.
Consider freezing your credit if you gave out sensitive information like your Social Security number. This prevents scammers from opening accounts in your name.
The Bottom Line
Online shopping scams are common enough that about one in three Americans has experienced one. That doesn’t mean you should stop buying things online—but it does mean you should stay alert. The best defense is a mix of skepticism, good habits, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Share these tips with family and friends, especially those who may be less familiar with how these scams work. A little caution can save a lot of trouble.
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.