1 in 3 Americans Were Scammed Online—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve ever clicked a tempting ad on social media or received an email about a deal that seemed too good to be true, you’re not alone. A new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in July 2025 and published this November, found that about one in three U.S. adults say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. With holiday shopping ramping up, that number could rise. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and practical steps you can take to avoid joining that statistic.

What Happened

The Pew study, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” surveyed American adults about their experiences with various digital threats. Among the findings: 32% of respondents reported falling victim to an online shopping scam—a figure that jumps to 44% among adults under 30. The most common schemes include fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, fraudulent ads on social media and search engines, phishing emails that appear to come from well-known brands, and payment fraud where sellers take money but never deliver goods.

These scams aren’t new, but their scale is alarming. The research also notes that people who shop frequently online, particularly via mobile phones, are more likely to encounter them. Social media platforms and influencer-driven shopping have become fertile ground for scammers, as many users trust recommendations from people they follow without verifying the source.

Why It Matters

The prevalence of online shopping scams means that nearly every regular shopper will encounter a fraudulent offer at some point. The consequences go beyond losing money—victims often have their payment details stolen, leading to further fraud, or share personal information that can be used for identity theft. The financial hit varies, but even small losses add up when many people are affected.

The timing is especially important. During the holiday season, consumers are flooded with “limited time” deals, making it easier for scammers to create urgency. Mobile shopping, already dominant, makes it harder to spot warning signs on a small screen. Without a few basic checks, it’s easy to hand over money to someone who has no intention of sending anything back.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need special software or a tech background to stay safe. Here are concrete actions that work.

Before you buy:

  • Verify the seller. If you’re on an unfamiliar site, search for the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Look for reviews on independent sites, not just testimonials on the seller’s own page. Be skeptical of stores with no physical address or contact information.
  • Check the URL. Scammers often register domains that look like a real brand but with a misspelling (e.g., “amazzon-deals.com”). Hover over links in emails or ads to see the actual destination before clicking.
  • Watch for red flags: prices that are far below market value, poor grammar or typos in product descriptions, demands to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, and aggressive countdown timers that pressure you to buy immediately.
  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Most major card issuers allow you to dispute charges and get a refund within 60 days of the statement date.
  • Enable purchase protection if available. Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay often have buyer protection policies for eligible transactions. Read the terms: they may require you to file a claim within a certain timeframe.

If you do get scammed:

  • Act quickly. If you used a credit card, call your issuer immediately to dispute the charge. For debit cards, contact your bank to freeze the card and file a claim.
  • Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if your personal information was compromised.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also report the seller to the platform where you found them—whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, or another marketplace.
  • If you paid via gift card, keep the receipt and serial number. Some retailers may refund the value if you contact them quickly, though success varies.

Finally, avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Scammers can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to intercept payment information. Stick to your mobile network or a trusted home connection when completing purchases.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam.” Published November 2025 (survey conducted July 2025). Available via Google News.
  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams.” Consumer Advice.
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What to do if you’ve been scammed.”