Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link in an email that turned out to be a phishing trap, you’re not alone. According to a November 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center, about one in three U.S. adults say they’ve personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number climbs even higher among younger adults and people who shop online frequently.

The survey underscores a reality that many consumers already suspect: the convenience of e-commerce comes with real risks. But understanding how these scams work—and knowing a few practical steps to avoid them—can help you shop more safely.

What Happened: The Pew Data

Pew’s survey, conducted in late 2025, asked respondents whether they had ever personally experienced an online shopping scam. About 33% said yes. The most common types reported included:

  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers.
  • Non-delivery scams, where a seller takes payment but never ships the item.
  • Phishing attempts via email or text that appear to come from well-known stores.
  • Counterfeit goods sold as authentic products.

Younger adults (ages 18–29) and those who shop online at least weekly were more likely to report an incident. This may be partly because they encounter more opportunities for fraud simply by making more transactions.

It’s worth noting that the data is self-reported, so the actual number of people affected could be higher—some victims may not realize they were scammed, or may not consider certain experiences scams.

Why It Matters

Online shopping has grown steadily, but so have the tactics of fraudsters. A single scam can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand, and the emotional toll—feeling tricked or violated—is often overlooked. Beyond the immediate loss, victims may face months of dealing with fraudulent charges, compromised passwords, and damaged credit.

The Pew findings serve as a reminder that this is not an isolated problem. About one in three Americans is a substantial portion of the population. If you shop online, it’s not a matter of if you’ll encounter a scam attempt, but when.

What Readers Can Do: Practical Tips

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to reduce your risk. Most scams rely on simple human habits: acting quickly, trusting a familiar brand name, or assuming a deal is real. A few deliberate checks can stop you from becoming a statistic.

1. Verify the Website Before Buying

Scammers often register domain names that look like popular stores but with a slight twist—like an extra letter or a different top-level domain (e.g., .shop instead of .com). Before entering any payment info, check the URL carefully. Look for a padlock icon in the address bar and confirm the site uses HTTPS. But note: HTTPS alone doesn’t guarantee legitimacy; it only means the connection is encrypted.

If the website has no contact information, no physical address, or poorly written product descriptions, consider it a red flag.

2. Use a Credit Card (Not a Debit Card) for Online Purchases

Credit cards offer much stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. If a transaction turns out to be a scam, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. With a debit card, the money leaves your bank account immediately and can be much harder to recover.

Some payment services, like PayPal, also offer buyer protection. Just read the terms carefully—not every transaction is covered.

3. Be Skeptical of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Scammers often lure shoppers with deep discounts on high-demand items (electronics, designer clothing, video game consoles). If the price is 70% off and the seller has very little online presence, it’s probably a trap. Search for the product name plus “scam” or “review” to see if others have reported it.

Phishing scams have become very sophisticated. You might receive a message that looks like it’s from Amazon, FedEx, or your bank, claiming there’s a problem with an order or a package delivery. Instead of clicking the link, open a new browser tab and log into your account directly. If there’s a real issue, you’ll see it there.

5. Research the Seller

For purchases from smaller or unfamiliar sites, take five minutes to search for reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Watch out for reviews that sound generic or are posted all on the same date—those could be fake. Also check whether the seller has an active social media presence with real engagement.

6. Know What to Do If You Are Scammed

If you realize you’ve been tricked:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the charge.
  • Change any passwords you may have shared or used on the scam site.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report can help authorities track patterns and warn others.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 2025. Pew’s full report includes demographic breakdowns and additional details on scam types.

  • FTC, “How to Avoid a Scam,” consumer advice page.

  • Better Business Bureau, “Tips for Safe Online Shopping,” guide for consumers.

The bottom line: You don’t have to fear online shopping, but a little caution goes a long way. By slowing down, verifying sellers, and using secure payment methods, you can keep your money and your personal information where they belong. Consider sharing these tips with friends and family—especially those who are less experienced with online purchases. Awareness is one of the best defenses.