1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Shop Safely Now

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that looked like a major retailer but turned out to be a fake, you’re far from alone. According to new data from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That figure—roughly 33% of U.S. adults—is a reminder that these frauds are not rare outliers. They happen to ordinary people, often when they’re just trying to grab a deal or buy from a brand they trust.

The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns, and there are straightforward steps you can take to avoid them—and to act quickly if you do get caught.

What Happened

Pew Research Center’s 2025 survey on online scams found that 33% of Americans have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The data comes from a nationally representative survey conducted July 2025, part of a broader report on digital fraud and security. The finding underscores how widespread these schemes have become, especially as more people shop on phones and through social media.

Common scams include:

  • Fake storefronts – Websites that mimic real brands (sometimes with slight misspellings) to collect credit card numbers.
  • Social media ad scams – Promoted posts or influencer endorsements that lead to phony product listings.
  • Payment app fraud – Sellers who request payment via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, then disappear.
  • Lookalike sites – URLs that swap one letter (e.g., “amaz0n.com”) tricking shoppers who don’t check carefully.

The Pew report also found that younger adults, and people who frequently use payment apps or follow product recommendations on TikTok, are at higher risk.

Why It Matters

Beyond the obvious financial loss—typically between $50 and a few hundred dollars per incident—online shopping scams can lead to identity theft if you enter personal information or reuse passwords. Many victims never get their money back, especially if they used payment methods without purchase protection. The emotional toll, including embarrassment and frustration, often prevents people from reporting the crime. But reporting is one of the most important things you can do, both for yourself and for others.

What Readers Can Do

The advice here is concrete, not theoretical. You don’t need to stop shopping online. You just need a few habits that take almost no extra time.

Before You Buy

  • Check the URL carefully. Scammers rely on one character swaps. If a site looks off, don’t enter payment info.
  • Read reviews on third-party sites. Reviews on the store’s own website can be faked. Look at Trustpilot, Reddit discussions, or Better Business Bureau listings.
  • Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer chargeback rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Debit cards generally have weaker protections.
  • Avoid paying via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle) for purchases from strangers. These methods have no built-in purchase protection. If a seller insists on them, consider it a red flag.
  • Do a quick web search. Add the word “scam” or “fraud” after the store’s name to see if others have reported problems.

Tools That Help

Browser extensions like Norton Safe Web, McAfee WebAdvisor, or Google’s own Safe Browsing can flag risky sites automatically. They’re not perfect—some scam sites slip through—but they add a useful layer. Also, enable two-factor authentication on your payment accounts.

If You’ve Been Scammed

Act fast.

  1. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Tell them it’s a fraudulent transaction.
  2. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. They don’t get your money back, but the reports help them track patterns and stop scammers.
  3. File a complaint with the platform where the scam happened (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, TikTok Shop). They may ban the account and prevent others from falling for it.
  4. Change your password for any account you used on the fake site, and monitor your statements for the next few months.

One thing worth noting: recovery rates vary. Some people get refunds, others don’t. The earlier you act, the better your odds.

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

This is a fast-moving area—scammers adapt quickly. But the basics of skepticism, verification, and secure payment choice have remained effective for years. Share this with someone who might not be paying close attention. A few seconds of caution can save a lot of hassle.