A third of Americans have faced an online shopping scam — here’s how to avoid being next
If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid a seller who vanished after taking your money, you’re not alone. A Pew Research Center survey from November 2025 found that about a third of U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. The figure is striking, especially as holiday shopping ramps up and more people turn to social media platforms and payment apps to make purchases. This guide explains what the data shows, why it matters for everyday shoppers, and — most importantly — how to reduce your chances of being the next victim.
What happened
Pew’s nationally representative survey asked Americans whether they had ever personally fallen for an online shopping scam. Roughly 33% said yes. The types of scams people reported range from buying from fake websites that take orders but never ship, to responding to phishing emails that impersonate major retailers, to sending money through peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Cash App for items that don’t exist.
The findings align with other recent data. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost over $8.8 billion to fraud in 2024, with shopping scams accounting for a major share. While not all of those losses come from online shopping, the overlap is substantial. Payment apps are especially risky because many lack the buyer protection that credit cards offer — a point Pew highlighted in a 2022 report on security concerns with apps like Venmo and Cash App.
Why it matters
Online shopping scams aren’t just a nuisance. They cost people real money, and in some cases personal data that can lead to identity theft. Because scammers are constantly adapting their tactics — using look-alike websites, fake social media storefronts, and even hijacked reviews — the threat isn’t going away. The Pew data shows this is now a widespread problem, affecting people across age groups and income levels.
The surge in phone-based shopping and influencer recommendations also plays a role. A separate 2024 Pew study found that a majority of TikTok users are on the platform for product reviews and recommendations. That creates a fertile environment for scammers who pose as trusted influencers or set up fake shops that seem legitimate at a glance.
What readers can do
You can’t eliminate the risk entirely, but you can make yourself a much harder target. Here are the most effective steps, based on what security experts and consumer protection agencies recommend.
1. Research the seller before you buy.
A quick search for the store’s name plus “scam” or “complaint” can reveal red flags. For marketplace listings (on Facebook, Craigslist, OfferUp, etc.), check the seller’s history and look for consistent, recent feedback. If a seller has no reviews or only glowing five-star ratings that read like templates, be suspicious.
2. Pay with a credit card.
Credit cards offer the strongest buyer protection. If the item never arrives or is not as described, you can dispute the charge. Debit cards offer less protection, and payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle typically have few safeguards for purchases. Many scammers insist on these apps precisely because they’re hard to reverse. Only use them with people you know and trust.
3. Watch for prices that seem too good.
A new smartphone for 80% off? A designer handbag for $20? Scammers rely on the lure of a bargain. If the price is dramatically lower than other listings, that’s a red flag. Check the regular retail price from a trusted source before you click.
4. Verify the website’s legitimacy.
Fake stores often have slight misspellings in the URL (like “amazn.com” instead of “amazon.com”) or use a generic design with stock photos. Look for a physical address and phone number. If the only contact option is an email form, be cautious. Legitimate sites will also have a padlock icon in the address bar and start with “https://,” though that alone isn’t a guarantee of safety.
5. Avoid buying on public Wi-Fi.
Public networks can be intercepted by scammers. If you’re shopping while on a coffee shop’s Wi-Fi, use a VPN or, better yet, switch to mobile data. Enable purchase alerts on your credit card or bank app so you’re notified of any transaction over a small amount.
6. If you’re scammed, act fast.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the charge. They may be able to reverse it. Then report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You should also change passwords on any accounts you used, especially if you entered your login details on a suspicious site. If you used a payment app, report the transaction to the app’s fraud team — though success varies.
Staying ahead
The Pew survey is a reminder that online scams have become a regular part of shopping life. But awareness and a few simple habits can go a long way. By taking a moment to verify a seller, using the right payment method, and staying skeptical of deals that seem too good, you can avoid joining the one-in-three statistic.
Share this with friends and family, especially those who do most of their shopping on social media or through payment apps. The more people know what to look for, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Sources:
- Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 2025
- Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025
- Pew Research Center, “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users,” September 2022
- Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024