1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Your Wallet

A new report from the Pew Research Center confirms what many of us have likely suspected: online shopping scams are remarkably common. According to the study published November 19, 2025, about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 85 million people — and younger adults (18–29) are especially likely to report being targeted.

The survey doesn’t capture every incident, and some victims may never report it, so the true number could be higher. But the data is a clear reminder that scam tactics have become sophisticated and widespread. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can save you time, money, and frustration.

What Happened: The Scale of the Problem

Pew’s nationally representative survey asked Americans whether they had ever “had an online shopping scam happen to them.” Just over 30% said yes. The most common scams cited include:

  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate stores but never deliver products.
  • Phishing emails that pretend to be order confirmations, shipping updates, or account alerts.
  • Fraudulent social media listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok — often for items that don’t exist or are much cheaper than usual.
  • Fake reviews that make unreliable sellers look trustworthy.

Many of these scams rely on emotional triggers: urgency (“limited stock!”), too-good-to-refuse prices, or the appearance of a trusted brand. And because online shopping is now a daily habit for most Americans, the opportunities for scammers multiply.

Why It Matters

Beyond the immediate financial loss, being scammed can lead to identity theft, compromised payment details, and a lingering distrust of online shopping. For younger adults who rely heavily on mobile shopping and social media recommendations, the risk is even greater. Pew’s earlier research found that a majority of TikTok users visit the platform for product reviews and recommendations — and scammers know how to plant fake endorsements.

The consequences aren’t just personal, either. As more people fall victim, trust in online marketplaces erodes, which can hurt legitimate small businesses and independent sellers.

What Readers Can Do: Spot, Avoid, and Respond

Spot the Red Flags

Scams often share common patterns. Look out for:

  • Unbelievably low prices — especially on high-demand items like electronics or designer goods.
  • Pressure to act quickly — “Only 2 left!” or “Offer expires in 15 minutes.”
  • Requests for unusual payment methods — gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate sellers rarely ask for these.
  • Poor website design — misspellings, broken links, no contact info, or odd URLs (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.net”).
  • Seller with zero history or overwhelmingly positive reviews that sound generic (often fake).

Prevention Tips

  • Use credit cards or payment apps with buyer protection (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay). Debit cards and direct bank transfers offer less recourse.
  • Research the seller — search the company name plus “scam” to see if others have reported issues.
  • Check for a secure connection — the URL should start with “https://” and show a padlock icon. That’s not a guarantee, but a missing padlock is a strong warning.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts. It adds an extra layer if your password is compromised.
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited emails about orders you don’t remember placing. Don’t click links — go directly to the retailer’s website.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

  • Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to dispute the charge and freeze your card if needed.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps track patterns and may aid investigations.
  • Change passwords for the account you used and any other accounts that share the same password.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for several weeks. Small test charges sometimes precede larger withdrawals.

If you used a payment app like Venmo or Cash App, know that buyer protections are limited. Treat those transactions like cash — only send money to people you trust.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 19, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center. “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations.” November 21, 2024.
  • Pew Research Center. “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.” September 8, 2022.

Staying safe while shopping online doesn’t require paranoia — just a few habits that cost nothing but a few extra seconds. With the number of scams on the rise, sharing what you know with friends and family can make a real difference.