A Third of Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve ever clicked on a deal that seemed too good to be true and later realized you were out money with nothing to show for it, you’re not 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 adults who have lost money or had personal information stolen while trying to buy something online. With holiday shopping, social media marketplaces, and payment apps making transactions faster than ever, the risk is real — but avoidable.

What Happened

Pew’s survey, conducted in the fall of 2025, asked a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults whether they had personally experienced an online shopping scam. One in three said yes. The numbers were even higher among younger adults: nearly half of those aged 18 to 29 reported being scammed. The report also found that people who use payment apps like Venmo or Cash App for purchases were more likely to have been hit, as were those who shop on social media platforms.

This isn’t a one-off finding. Earlier Pew reports have flagged similar concerns. A 2022 study noted that payment apps bring convenience but also security worries — especially since many apps don’t offer buyer protection. A 2024 report showed that a majority of TikTok users rely on the platform for product reviews, which can be manipulated by scammers. Taken together, these data points paint a clear picture: online shopping scams are widespread, and the methods are evolving.

Why It Matters

One-third of Americans affected means millions of people have been defrauded, often for amounts from a few dollars to hundreds. Beyond the financial loss, victims may face identity theft, unauthorized charges, and a frustrating recovery process. The problem is not limited to obvious “Nigerian prince” emails; modern scams look like legitimate stores, social media ads, and auction listings. Because online shopping is now a daily activity for most people, understanding how these scams work is essential for protecting both your wallet and your personal data.

What Readers Can Do

The good news is that you can reduce your risk considerably by following a few straightforward practices. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scam types and how to avoid them — plus steps to take if you’ve already been burned.

Common Scams to Watch For

  • Fake websites: Scammers register domains that mimic well-known retailers (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.com”). They often appear in search ads or on social media. The site looks real but never delivers the product.
  • Phishing emails: You receive a message claiming your payment failed or your account was compromised. It includes a link to “verify” login details. The real purpose is to steal credentials.
  • Social media marketplace fraud: On Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok Shop, sellers may take payment and then disappear. Some use fake profiles with stolen photos.
  • Payment app scams: A buyer or seller on Venmo or Cash App asks you to use “friends and family” option (which waives fees but also cancels buyer protection). Common in ticket sales and high-value items.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals: Low-priced electronics, luxury goods, or gift cards are classic bait. If a new iPhone is listed for 80% off, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Prevention Tips

  • Verify the URL: Before entering payment information, double-check the site’s full address. Look for “https” and a padlock icon, but be aware scammers can also get SSL certificates. Cross-check the official company domain.
  • Read real reviews: Check independent review platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Be skeptical of sites that only have glowing, generic reviews.
  • Use credit cards or payment services with buyer protection: Credit cards often allow chargebacks. PayPal goods and services offers dispute resolution. Avoid direct bank transfers, wire transfers, or Zelle for purchases from strangers.
  • Research the seller: On social media or marketplaces, look for history, connection to real accounts, and feedback from other buyers. Reverse image search product photos — scammers often reuse pictures.
  • Don’t rush: Scammers create urgency (“only 3 left!” or “offer expires in 1 hour”). Slow down. If it feels off, walk away.

If You Are Scammed

  1. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. They can stop further transactions and possibly reverse the charge. Time is critical.
  2. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares data with law enforcement.
  3. Freeze your credit if you shared personal information (like your Social Security number). Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  4. Document everything: Save screenshots of the ad, conversation, payment confirmation, and any emails. This evidence helps with disputes and reports.
  5. Change passwords on the affected account and any linked accounts. Enable two-factor authentication.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 19, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center. “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.” September 8, 2022.
  • Pew Research Center. “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations.” November 21, 2024.