Nearly one in three Americans has faced an online shopping scam – here’s how to stay safe

If you’ve ever clicked a link for a deal that seemed too good to be true, or sent money through a payment app only to never receive the item, you’re not alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, about one in three U.S. adults (32%) say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That figure is a reminder that fraud is not an edge case — it’s a routine risk for anyone who buys goods or services online.

What happened

Pew’s survey, conducted in November 2025, asked Americans whether they had ever been the target of an online shopping scam — defined as a situation where someone tried to trick them into paying for something that never arrived or was misrepresented. The 32% figure applies across age groups, but younger adults and those who shop frequently online reported higher rates. For example, nearly half of adults under 30 said they had encountered a scam.

The most common tactics include:

  • Fake websites: Scammers create convincing storefronts that disappear after taking payments.
  • Phishing emails: Messages that appear to come from trusted retailers, asking for login credentials or payment details.
  • Payment app fraud: Requests to pay via Venmo, Cash App, or similar services that lack purchase protection.
  • Counterfeit or misrepresented goods: Items that are cheap knockoffs or never shipped.

These scams are not new, but they have become more sophisticated. Fraudsters now use AI to generate realistic product images, fake reviews, and even customer service chatbots.

Why it matters

Shopping scams go beyond losing a few dollars. They can lead to identity theft, stolen credit card numbers, and long-term financial headaches. The timing of Pew’s findings is especially relevant: with holiday shopping and year-round online buying, the opportunity for scammers grows. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $8.8 billion to fraud in 2024, and online shopping scams accounted for a sizable share.

The problem is compounded by the fact that many people do not know what to watch for. Scams are often designed to create urgency: a limited‑time offer, a low‑inventory warning, or a message that says your account has been compromised. These pressure tactics work, especially when you are already in a buying mindset.

What readers can do

You do not need to stop shopping online. You just need a few habits that make it harder for scammers to succeed.

  1. Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection under federal law. If you never receive an item or the transaction is unauthorized, you can dispute the charge. Debit cards and payment apps are riskier — money leaves your account immediately, and recovery is more difficult.

  2. Check the website before you enter payment details. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon. But remember: scammers can also get SSL certificates. Do a quick search for the store name plus the word “scam” to see if others have reported problems.

  3. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. If a new laptop is priced 70% below retail, it is almost certainly a scam. Compare prices against known retailers. If the offer is only available via a link in an email or social media ad, it is worth extra caution.

  4. Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds a second step (like a text code) to log in, which can prevent scammers from taking over your shopping profiles even if they get your password.

  5. Pay attention to how you are asked to pay. Legitimate businesses accept credit cards and established payment processors. Requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency are red flags.

  6. If something goes wrong, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction. File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Change the passwords on any accounts you used. The sooner you act, the better your chance of limiting damage.

The bottom line

Online shopping scams are widespread — the Pew data confirms that almost one in three Americans have dealt with one. But awareness and a few protective steps can significantly reduce your risk. Scams will continue to evolve, but the basics of checking sources, securing your payment method, and staying skeptical of urgency remain the same.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them” (November 2025)
  • Federal Trade Commission, “New FTC Data Show Consumers Reported Losing Nearly $8.8 Billion to Scams in 2024” (February 2025)