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

Introduction

A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That number might surprise you, but if you’ve ever clicked a suspicious deal on social media or received a phishing email about a package you didn’t order, you’re far from alone. The problem is widespread, and it tends to spike around major shopping seasons. The good news is that most scams follow recognizable patterns, and you can avoid them with a few straightforward habits.

What Happened

In late 2025, Pew published a report examining Americans’ experiences with online fraud. The key finding: 32% of U.S. adults said an online shopping scam had happened to them. The survey also looked at related issues like identity theft and phishing, but the shopping scam figure stood out because it affects so many everyday buyers. The data comes from a nationally representative survey, so it gives a reliable picture of how common these incidents have become.

It’s worth noting that the survey didn’t specify a time frame—respondents were simply asked whether they had “ever” had an online shopping scam happen to them. So the one-in-three figure includes everything from a recent incident to something that happened years ago. Still, it signals that the risk is persistent and touches a large share of the population.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams don’t just cost people money; they also undermine trust in e-commerce. When you can’t tell a real website from a fake one, or when an influencer’s “exclusive deal” turns out to be a front for stealing credit card details, the convenience of buying online starts to feel risky. That’s especially true for older adults or less tech-savvy shoppers, who may be targeted more often. And because scammers constantly update their tactics—using convincing lookalike URLs, fake reviews, and social media ads—the problem isn’t going away on its own.

What Readers Can Do

Fortunately, most shopping scams share common red flags. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

Spot a Fake Website

Scammers create pages that imitate legitimate stores. Look for misspellings in the URL, poor grammar in product descriptions, or no company contact information. If the price seems unrealistically low—say, a $1,000 laptop for $200—that’s a major warning sign. You can also check the site’s age using a tool like Whois lookup; many scam sites are only a few months old.

Avoid Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing messages often claim there’s a problem with your order or a package delivery. They include a link that leads to a fake login page or asks you to download a file. Legitimate companies rarely ask you to click a link to verify account details. If you get an unexpected message about a purchase, open your browser and go directly to the retailer’s website instead of clicking the link.

Be Careful on Social Media Marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and TikTok are full of sellers you don’t know. Scammers will ask you to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps like Venmo without buyer protection. If possible, use a credit card or a service like PayPal Goods and Services, which offers dispute resolution. Always insist on meeting in a public place for local transactions, and never send money upfront for an item the seller claims they’ll ship.

Use Safe Payment Methods

Credit cards generally give you the strongest fraud protection. Debit cards and bank transfers are riskier because the money leaves your account immediately. Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App are convenient, but they should be used only with people you trust—their “friends and family” option offers no buyer protection if something goes wrong.

Check Seller Reputation

Look up the seller or website on the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or the Federal Trade Commission’s complaint database. But be aware that scammers can fake reviews too. Cross-reference complaints on multiple sites. If a store is completely new and has no feedback, treat it with caution.

What If You’ve Already Been Scammed?

If you think you fell for a shopping scam, act quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card issuer and report the fraudulent charge. They may be able to reverse it. Next, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You should also change passwords for any accounts you used on the scam website, especially if you saved payment details.

In some cases, you may want to place a fraud alert on your credit report. That will make it harder for scammers to open new accounts in your name. You can request a free credit freeze from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—without hurting your credit score.

Conclusion

The fact that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them is a reminder that fraud is a routine risk, not a rare one. But by staying alert to the common tricks and using safer payment methods, you can significantly reduce your chances of being the next victim. Shopping online is still convenient and mostly safe—you just need to keep your guard up.

Sources

• Pew Research Center (2025). “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.”
• Federal Trade Commission. ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Better Business Bureau. BBB Scam Tracker.