1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams — Here’s How to Stay Safe
If you’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” on a site that looked legitimate only to receive nothing — or a knockoff that never matched the photos — you’re far from alone. A new survey from Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three U.S. adults (34%) have experienced an online shopping scam. With the holiday shopping rush already underway, that number is a timely reminder to slow down before you check out.
What Happened
Pew’s July 2025 survey asked more than 5,200 U.S. adults about their encounters with various online scams. The results showed that online shopping scams are among the most common digital frauds Americans face. Younger adults — particularly those aged 18 to 29 — were more likely to report being scammed, as were frequent online shoppers. The most frequently cited scams included:
- Fake websites designed to mimic well-known retailers.
- Phishing emails or texts posing as order confirmations, shipping updates, or promotional offers.
- Non-delivery scams, where payment is taken but the product never arrives.
The data also showed that people who shop on mobile devices or follow influencer recommendations may be at higher risk, though Pew notes the findings are correlational and not necessarily causal.
Why It Matters
The holiday season is a prime window for scammers. Consumers are actively hunting for deals, often under time pressure, and many are willing to click unfamiliar links or try new merchants they’ve never heard of. A single fraudulent transaction can mean not only lost money, but also stolen credit card details, compromised personal information, and weeks of hassle disputing charges.
Pew’s finding that one in three Americans has already been hit suggests that most of us either know someone who has been scammed or will face an attempt ourselves. The consequences aren’t limited to the purchase amount — scammers often use collected data for identity theft or further fraud.
What Readers Can Do
The good news is that a few straightforward habits dramatically reduce your risk. Here are concrete steps to follow before you enter your payment info:
1. Verify the seller, not just the product. If you’re on a site you’ve never used, search for the store name plus “scam” or “review.” Look for recent, detailed feedback — not just star ratings. Check the URL carefully; scammers often swap a single letter (e.g., “Amaz0n.com” with a zero).
2. Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection under federal law. Many issuers let you dispute charges and get a refund while they investigate. Debit cards don’t have the same safeguards, and a stolen debit card can drain your bank account directly.
3. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate retailers almost never ask for these payment methods. If a seller insists on them, it’s a major red flag.
4. Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals. A new PlayStation for $150 or a designer bag at 90% off is almost certainly a scam. If the price is far below market value, treat it as suspicious.
5. Review your order confirmation carefully. After you hit purchase, double-check the email you receive. Scammers often send fake confirmations with typos, generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” or links that don’t match the store domain.
6. If you are scammed, act fast. Contact your credit card issuer immediately to report the fraudulent charge. Then file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track patterns and sometimes pursue enforcement. You should also change the password on the account you used if you reused it elsewhere.
Sources
- Pew Research Center. “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam.” July 31, 2025.
- Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
- Federal Trade Commission. “What to Do If You Were Scammed.” ftc.gov.
Awareness won’t stop every scam, but knowing how common they are — and what to look for — can keep this holiday season focused on gifts, not grievances. Take an extra minute to check before you click “Pay.” Your wallet (and your inbox) will thank you.