How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Third of Americans Have Been Hit

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a product that turned out to be a cheap counterfeit, you’re not alone. According to a November 2025 Pew Research Center survey, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s tens of millions of people who have lost money or personal information to fraudulent sellers, fake websites, or deceptive ads.

The convenience of shopping from home can blind us to the risks. But knowing what to look for and how to protect yourself can make the difference between a successful purchase and a costly mistake.

What happened: Pew’s findings on online shopping scams

Pew Research Center’s survey, part of a broader study on online scams and attacks, found that roughly one in three U.S. adults have personally experienced an online shopping scam. The figure covers a range of incidents: paying for goods that never shipped, receiving items that were not as described, and being tricked into entering payment details on fake e‑commerce sites.

This is not a niche problem. It cuts across age groups and income levels, though younger adults who shop more frequently may be at higher risk. The study also notes that about 1 in 5 Americans have used cryptocurrency, and that usage has ticked up among Republicans—a reminder that scammers are quick to adapt to new payment methods.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams aren’t just a nuisance; they can lead to identity theft, unauthorized credit card charges, and lasting financial harm. With holiday seasons, flash sales, and influencer‑driven promotions bombarding consumers year‑round, the chances of encountering a scam are higher than ever.

Many scams look disturbingly legitimate. Fraudsters copy real brand websites, use official‑looking logos, and even list fake positive reviews. Others send phishing emails that appear to be from Amazon, eBay, or PayPal, asking you to “confirm your order” or “update payment information.” The result: even cautious shoppers can get tripped up.

What readers can do: practical steps to avoid and respond to scams

1. Recognize the red flags.

  • Unbelievably low prices. If a $1,000 laptop is listed for $200, it’s almost certainly a scam.
  • Poor website design. Broken English, missing contact info, and generic stock photos are warning signs.
  • High‑pressure tactics. “Only 2 left!” or “Sale ends in 10 minutes!” are designed to make you rush.
  • Suspicious payment methods. Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are huge red flags.

2. Verify before you buy.

  • Check the URL for misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n.com”) and make sure the site uses HTTPS.
  • Look up the seller on third‑party review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. But treat reviews with caution—scammers can fake them.
  • If the deal is on social media or from an influencer, do a quick web search for the product’s name plus “scam.”

3. Use safer payment methods.

  • A credit card offers the strongest fraud protection. Most issuers will reverse charges if you don’t receive the item.
  • Avoid debit cards, which have weaker protections and can drain your bank account.
  • Never use payment apps like Venmo or Cash App for purchases from strangers—they are designed for friends and family, not transactions with unknown sellers.

4. Watch out for phishing attempts.

  • Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or text messages claiming to be from a retailer. Instead, type the store’s URL directly into your browser.
  • If a “tracking update” asks for personal info, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate carriers don’t request passwords or credit card numbers by email.

5. If you’ve been scammed, act quickly.

  • Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately. They can dispute the charge and issue a replacement card.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track patterns.
  • If you gave away personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Staying vigilant is the best defense

No one is immune to online shopping scams, but awareness and simple habits can drastically cut your risk. Before you click “buy,” take an extra minute to review the website, the seller, and the payment method. And share what you learn—the more people who know the warning signs, 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 19, 2025.
  • Pew Research Center. “About 1 in 5 Americans have used crypto; Republicans’ use has ticked up.” June 8, 2026.
  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
  • Business Journal Daily. “About a Third of Americans Report Online Shopping Scams.” December 4, 2025.