Online Shopping Scams Hit One in Three Americans: What You Need to Know

A new study from the Pew Research Center reports that roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have fallen victim to an online shopping scam. The research, published in November 2025, draws on a nationally representative survey and offers a clear picture of how widespread the problem has become. Whether you shop frequently or only occasionally, understanding the scope of these scams—and knowing how to avoid them—can save you money and frustration.

What Happened

Pew’s survey found that 34% of American adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The most common types reported include:

  • Non-delivery scams: You pay for an item that never arrives.
  • Fake websites or stores: Fraudulent sites mimic legitimate retailers to collect payment and personal information.
  • Phishing attempts: Emails or texts that appear to come from a real company ask you to click a link or provide account details.

The study also noted that younger adults (ages 18–29) reported higher rates of encountering scams, possibly because they tend to shop online more often and engage with social media promotions. However, no age group is immune.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams do more than just cost you money. They can also lead to identity theft, compromised payment information, and stolen personal data. The average loss for victims can be significant—hundreds of dollars or more—and recovering funds is not always easy, especially if you used payment methods with limited consumer protections.

The large number of affected people also points to a systemic issue: scammers have low barriers to entry and can set up convincing fake stores or ads quickly. The rise of social media marketplaces, influencer promotions, and peer-to-peer payment apps has made it easier for fraudsters to reach potential victims.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to stop shopping online, but a few habits can substantially reduce your risk.

Before You Buy

  • Research the seller. If you’re on a site you don’t know, look for reviews on independent platforms like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. Be skeptical of sellers with only glowing five-star reviews or no history.
  • Check the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are a subtle misspelling of a real store (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser bar.
  • Avoid deals that seem too good. A 70% discount on a new iPhone or designer handbag is almost always a red flag. If the price is far below what you’d expect, it’s probably a scam.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer more fraud protection than debit cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. If you don’t receive the item, you can dispute the charge.
  • Be cautious with peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. These services are designed for sending money to people you know, not for buying from strangers. They offer little or no purchase protection.

During the Purchase

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts and email. This adds an extra layer of security.
  • Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Unsecured networks make it easy for attackers to intercept your payment information.
  • Save receipts and confirmations. Screenshot the product page, price, and any communication with the seller. This helps if you need to file a dispute.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Report the fraudulent charge and ask about chargebacks.
  • Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords or a password manager.
  • Report the scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report to your state’s attorney general or local consumer protection office.
  • Monitor your credit. Consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if you suspect identity theft.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. (2025). About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. https://www.pewresearch.org/
  • Federal Trade Commission. ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The bottom line: online shopping scams are common, but most are preventable with a bit of caution. If you do get taken, acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovering your money and limiting the damage.