1 in 3 Americans Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: How to Protect Yourself

Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget the risks. But a recent survey from the Pew Research Center puts the problem in stark numbers: about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 33% of all American adults who have lost money or had their information stolen while trying to buy something online.

The findings come from a nationally representative survey of nearly 10,000 respondents conducted in 2025. While the exact percentage may vary slightly depending on how people define “scam,” the data is a clear reminder that fraudulent sellers and phony deals are not rare events. They are a regular hazard of e‑commerce.

What the Pew data shows

The survey asked whether respondents had ever had an “online shopping scam happen to them.” Common examples include paying for an item that never arrived, buying from a fake website that stole payment details, or receiving a product that was completely different from what was advertised.

Pew’s researchers also found that certain groups are especially vulnerable. Older adults, people who are less confident using digital tools, and those who shop on social media platforms report higher rates of victimization. The survey does not claim that one in three shoppers has been scammed this year — rather, it’s a lifetime prevalence figure. Still, the scale is large enough to demand attention.

Why this matters for all of us

Online shopping scams are not just about losing $50 on a fake hoodie. They can lead to identity theft, unauthorized credit card charges, and long-term financial damage. Scammers are also becoming more sophisticated: they create realistic‑looking websites, use fake reviews, and exploit peer‑to‑peer payment apps that offer little buyer protection.

The Pew data is valuable because it comes from a trusted, non‑commercial source. It confirms what consumer protection agencies have been saying for years: online fraud is widespread, and most people will encounter it at some point. The question is not whether you’ll face a scam, but whether you’ll recognize it before it’s too late.

How to protect yourself before you click “buy”

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop safely. A few straightforward habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

1. Research the seller first

If you’re buying from a site you’ve never used before, search for the business name plus words like “scam” or “review.” Look for complaints on the Better Business Bureau or sites like Trustpilot. Be very cautious with stores that only accept payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — those are favorite methods of scammers.

2. Use a credit card, not a debit card or payment app

Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under federal law. If you’re scammed, you can dispute the charge and get your money back. Debit cards and payment apps like Venmo or Zelle often have weaker protections, especially if you authorize the payment voluntarily.

3. Check for HTTPS and look for oddities

A secure site should have “https://” at the start of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. But don’t rely on that alone — scammers can get SSL certificates too. Read the URL carefully: subtle misspellings (like “amazn.com” instead of “amazon.com”) are a red flag. Also watch for poor grammar, missing contact information, and prices that are far below market value.

4. Be wary of deals on social media

Pew’s previous research has noted that younger adults are more likely to shop through influencers and social media ads. These channels often lack the safeguards of established e‑commerce platforms. If you see a too‑good‑to‑be‑true product in a Facebook ad or an Instagram story, treat it with extreme skepticism. Search for the product outside the app before buying.

5. Stick to known platforms when possible

Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other major marketplaces have buyer protection policies. That doesn’t guarantee safety — third‑party sellers on these platforms can also be fraudulent — but it gives you a recourse channel. If you must use a smaller site, read its return and refund policy carefully.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

Even careful shoppers can slip up. If you realize you’ve paid for something that isn’t coming, act quickly.

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the fraudulent transaction and ask for a chargeback. Most banks require you to report within 60 days.
• Change your passwords if you entered login credentials on the fake site. Use a strong, unique password or a password manager.
• Freeze your credit if you suspect identity theft. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name. Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a freeze.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns and may assist others.
• Check your account statements for the next several weeks for any unauthorized charges.

A quick checklist before every online purchase

• Have I heard of this seller? Can I find independent reviews?
• Is the payment method a credit card (preferred) or a secure service like PayPal?
• Does the website look professional, with a physical address and working contact info?
• Is the price realistic? If it’s 70% off retail from an unknown store, it’s probably a scam.
• Am I being pressured to “buy now before stock runs out”? Scammers use urgency to bypass your judgment.
• Have I double‑checked the URL for spelling errors?

Online shopping scams are a persistent reality, but they don’t have to catch you off guard. The Pew data is a useful wake‑up call: if you haven’t yet encountered a scam, chances are you will. Taking a few extra seconds to verify a seller or payment method can save you hours of frustration and lost money. Share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be less comfortable with technology. A little caution goes a long way.

Sources:

• Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” 2025 survey report.
• Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Advice: How to avoid online shopping scams.”
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “Disputing credit card charges.”