3 in 10 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve ever clicked “buy” on a site that looked legitimate, only to receive nothing in return, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33% of U.S. adults—and the number is even higher among frequent shoppers and younger adults.
With the holiday season approaching, that statistic is a useful reminder to slow down before hitting “pay.” Here’s what the data shows, why it matters, and what you can do to reduce your chances of becoming part of the next survey.
What happened
Pew’s study, part of a broader look at online scams in the U.S., surveyed adults about their experiences with various types of fraud. The finding on shopping scams stood out: one in three respondents said they had personally fallen victim to a scam related to an online purchase.
The report did not break down every individual case, but typical scams include fake storefronts, phishing emails impersonating retailers, and advertisements for goods that never ship. Payment app fraud—where buyers send money via Venmo or Cash App without buyer protection—also appears in related Pew research. Younger adults, especially those under 30, reported higher rates of exposure, likely because they shop more frequently on mobile devices and social media platforms.
Why it matters
The prevalence of these scams matters for two reasons. First, the financial losses can be significant. Even a single $50 charge on a gift card or bank transfer adds up when millions of people are affected. Second, many scams also aim to steal personal information, which can lead to identity theft months or years later.
Right now, with holiday sales, Black Friday deals, and year-end spending, the volume of online transactions spikes—and so does the opportunity for scammers to blend in with legitimate sellers. The Pew data suggests that even cautious shoppers are not immune; the most common scams often look convincing at first glance.
What readers can do
Here are practical, evidence-based steps to reduce risk.
1. Use a credit card, not a debit card or payment app.
Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection. Under U.S. law, your liability for unauthorized charges is capped at $50, and many issuers waive that entirely. Debit cards have weaker protections, and bank transfers or payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle are not designed for purchases from strangers. If a seller insists on using one of these non-reversible methods, treat that as a red flag.
2. Check the site’s URL and security basics.
Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. But note that this alone does not guarantee a site is legitimate—scammers can obtain certificates, too. More reliable signs include a working customer service phone number or physical address, clear refund policies, and consistent spelling and grammar. If the site looks thrown together or uses a generic template, search for reviews elsewhere.
3. Research the seller before you buy.
Search the store name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Check the Better Business Bureau, but also look at recent reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or Reddit. For a new store with no track record, proceed with caution.
4. Avoid deals that feel unrealistically cheap.
Scammers often lure buyers with prices far below market. If a brand-new game console is listed at 70% off on a site you’ve never heard of, that’s likely a fake. Crossing a price threshold—say, below $50 for an item normally worth $200—is a strong indicator.
5. Enable purchase alerts on your accounts.
Most banks and credit cards let you set up text or email alerts for transactions over a certain amount. This helps you spot unauthorized charges quickly. Also, review your monthly statements rather than just skimming the balance.
6. If something goes wrong, act fast.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if you suspect a fraudulent charge. They can stop payment or initiate a chargeback. Then report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It may not recover your money, but it helps agencies track patterns.
For identity theft concerns, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit reports (contact one of the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
Sources
The primary source for the one-in-three statistic is the Pew Research Center report About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them (November 19, 2025). Related data on payment app security and mobile shopping habits comes from earlier Pew studies cited in the research article list.
Additional practical guidance draws from FTC consumer alerts and general best practices widely recommended by cybersecurity professionals.
Staying safe online doesn’t require special software or advanced technical skill. It mostly means slowing down, checking details, and using payment methods that give you recourse. The Pew numbers are a reminder that scams are common, but so are the tools to avoid them—if you use them.