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

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about a third of U.S. adults say they’ve personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s not a small fringe problem — it’s something that touches millions of households every year. Whether you’ve been scammed yourself or just worry about it, knowing how these scams work is the first step to staying safe.

What Happened

In November 2025, Pew published findings from a broader study on online scams and attacks. Among the key numbers: roughly 33% of Americans reported falling victim to a shopping scam. The report covered a range of schemes, including fake websites that look like real retailers, phishing emails that claim a package delivery failed, and fraudulent social media ads offering deep discounts on popular items.

These scams often take place outside the major, well-known platforms. Scammers set up lookalike stores, advertise on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram, and push payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. A separate Pew study from 2022 noted that while payment apps bring convenience, they also come with security concerns — especially because they often lack buyer protection.

Why It Matters

One in three is a high enough number that most people either know someone who’s been hit or will be at risk themselves. The financial impact varies — some lose a few dollars, others lose hundreds — but the frustration and sense of violation are real. Beyond the money, these scams erode trust in online shopping, and they often target people who are less familiar with digital safety practices.

The timing is especially relevant during holiday shopping seasons or big sales events, when scammers ramp up their efforts knowing people are looking for deals.

What You Can Do

You can’t eliminate risk entirely, but you can make yourself a much harder target. Here are concrete steps that work.

1. Check the website carefully before you buy. Look at the URL: does it match the official domain? Scammers often use addresses like “amazon-prime-deals.info” or “nikeoutlet-sale.co.” Also inspect the site for poor grammar, missing contact information, or stock photos that look generic. If something feels off, trust that feeling.

2. Use a credit card or a payment service with buyer protection. Credit cards typically allow you to dispute charges if you receive a counterfeit item or nothing at all. Debit cards and wire transfers offer less protection. Payment apps like PayPal Goods and Services include buyer protection; the “Friends and Family” option does not. Avoid paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency — those are nearly impossible to recover.

3. Verify the seller before you commit. Search for the company name plus “scam” or “review.” Look for feedback on independent sites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. If you’re buying from a seller on a marketplace, check their history and ratings. Be skeptical of brand-new accounts or sellers with only positive reviews.

4. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. A popular item at 90% off is almost always a scam. Scammers create urgency with messages like “only 3 left” or “offer ends in one hour.” Legitimate sales don’t usually pressure you that aggressively.

5. If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Call your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep records: screenshots of the website, emails, payment confirmations. Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity in the following weeks.

The Bottom Line

Online shopping scams are widespread, but the basics of safety remain the same. Check URLs, use protected payment methods, verify sellers, and don’t let urgency override your judgment. No single step guarantees you won’t get scammed, but doing all of them consistently reduces the odds considerably.

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, “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users,” September 2022.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.