A Third of Us Have Been Scammed Online Shopping — Here’s What to Watch For

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a deal that turned out too good to be true, you’re far from alone. According to a new report from Pew Research Center, roughly one in three Americans say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. That figure covers everything from a fraudulent website to a phishing email that looked like a legitimate store.

The timing matters. With holiday shopping season approaching, the number of fake listings, cloned storefronts, and social media ads designed to steal money or data tends to spike. The good news is that most of these scams follow patterns you can learn to spot before you hand over any payment information.

What happened

Pew’s survey, released in November 2025, found that about a third of U.S. adults report having been the victim of an online shopping scam at some point. The research is part of a broader look at online scams and attacks in America. The findings align with a steady rise in consumer fraud reports tracked by the Federal Trade Commission, which logged over $8.8 billion in losses to fraud in 2024 — with online shopping scams making up a significant share.

Why it matters

Shopping online has become routine, but the convenience also creates openings for scammers. Fake websites can look nearly identical to real retailers. Phishing emails impersonate trusted brands. Social media ads on platforms like TikTok and Facebook often lead to stores that exist only long enough to collect payments and disappear.

The risk isn’t just losing the price of a product. Scammers may also harvest your name, address, credit card number, or even your login credentials for other accounts. Once that information is out, it can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to reduce your chances of getting scammed. Most precautions are quick and free.

Recognize the most common scam tactics

  • Fake websites. The URL might be slightly misspelled (e.g., “amaz0n.com”) or use a strange domain extension like “.shop” or “.xyz.” The site may lack contact information or a physical address.
  • Phishing emails pretending to be stores. Emails that urge you to click a link to “confirm your order” or “claim a reward” often lead to lookalike login pages designed to steal passwords.
  • Social media ads for deals that seem unreasonably cheap. Luxury goods at 90% off, electronics for pocket change — if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Fake reviews. Scammers sometimes post hundreds of five-star ratings on a product page or website to create false trust. Look for reviews that mention specific details about the item. If they all sound generic, be cautious.

Verify the seller or website before you buy

  • Check the URL carefully, especially the part before the first slash. Look for “https” and a padlock icon, though keep in mind that even scam sites can now obtain SSL certificates.
  • Search for the store name plus words like “scam” or “complaint.” You may find posts from other buyers who got burned.
  • Use independent review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot, but be aware that scammers can also buy fake reviews there. Cross-reference with multiple sources.
  • Look for a clear returns policy and a physical address. If those are missing or vague, it’s a red flag.

Use safer payment methods

  • Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection under federal law. You’re generally liable for no more than $50 in unauthorized charges, and many cards have $0 liability policies.
  • Debit cards have weaker protections. If a scammer drains your bank account, recovering the money can take weeks.
  • Gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency are nearly impossible to reverse. Legitimate businesses do not ask for payment in these forms. If a seller insists on one of them, stop the transaction.
  • Consider using virtual card numbers from your credit card issuer. These are one-time-use numbers tied to your account, so even if a scammer gets the number, it won’t work again.

Steps to take if you’ve been scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Report the transaction and ask about a chargeback or fraud dispute.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track scams.
  • If you sent money through a payment app like Venmo or Cash App, contact the app’s support team. Some may be able to reverse the payment if you act quickly.
  • Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, especially if you lost a significant amount.

Stay vigilant, not paranoid

Most online purchases go smoothly. But the Pew data is a reminder that scams are widespread enough to warrant a few extra seconds of caution. Before you click “buy” on an unfamiliar site, check the URL, read outside reviews, and use a payment method that gives you recourse. That small habit can save you both money and frustration.

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, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024,” released February 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “ReportFraud.ftc.gov”
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)