New Pew Data Shows 1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: Here’s How to Stay Safe

If you shop online—and most of us do—you’ve probably wondered whether that too-good-to-be-true deal is legitimate. According to a November 2025 Pew Research Center study, about a third of American adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s not a small fringe problem; it’s a widespread risk that touches millions of households.

This article breaks down what the Pew data actually says, why it matters for your daily shopping habits, and, most importantly, what steps you can take to avoid becoming part of that statistic.

What the New Pew Data Reveals

Pew Research Center’s study, published in November 2025, found that roughly 33% of U.S. adults have been the target of an online shopping scam. That could mean anything from never receiving an item they paid for, to receiving a counterfeit product, to having payment information stolen through a fake website. The study is part of a broader Pew series on online scams and attacks in America, which also highlighted how payment apps like Venmo and Cash App introduce convenience—but also security concerns.

Importantly, the research is representative of U.S. adults, so the number isn’t just a sampling quirk. It reflects a real and growing problem as more shopping moves online, especially on mobile devices and through social media influencers.

Why This Should Matter to You

Online shopping scams aren’t just a nuisance. They can cost you real money, expose your personal and financial information, and erode trust in legitimate e-commerce. The Pew data shows that scams are not limited to one demographic—older adults, younger adults, and people across income levels have all reported being affected. With holiday seasons and flash sales driving even more online purchases, the risk spikes periodically.

The good news is that most scams follow recognizable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can drastically reduce your chances of being tricked.

What You Can Do: Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

Based on common scam types identified by consumer protection agencies and the behaviors highlighted in Pew’s research, here are concrete actions you can take right now.

Recognize the Most Common Scams

  • Fake websites that mimic real retailers, often with slightly misspelled URLs.
  • Phony social media ads offering steep discounts on popular items.
  • Non-delivery scams where you pay for something that never arrives.
  • Counterfeit goods sold as authentic products.
  • Payment app fraud where scammers ask for payment via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, which offer limited buyer protection.

Spot Red Flags Before You Click

  • The price is unrealistically low compared to other sellers.
  • The website has poor design, broken English, or no contact information.
  • The seller pressures you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
  • There are no customer reviews, or the reviews look generic and overly positive.
  • The domain name is unusual (e.g., best-deals-2025-shop.xyz).

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

  1. Shop on trusted platforms. Stick to well-known retailers or marketplaces with established buyer protection policies. When in doubt, search for the business name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
  2. Use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. You can dispute charges more easily.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts and payment apps. It adds a critical layer of security.
  4. Research the seller. Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau website or check independent review sites. Cross-reference contact information.
  5. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts. Go directly to the retailer’s website instead.

If You’ve Been Scammed, Act Fast

Even careful shoppers can get caught. If it happens to you:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the fraud and request a chargeback.
  • Change your passwords. Especially for the account used to make the purchase and any linked email or payment services.
  • Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions for the next several weeks.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track scam patterns.
  • Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports if your personal information was compromised.

Staying Informed Is Your Best Defense

The new Pew data underscores that online shopping scams are not an isolated problem—they affect roughly one in three American adults. But with awareness and a few simple habits, you can significantly lower your risk. Bookmark resources like the FTC’s scam alerts and the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to stay updated on new tactics.

The internet is a convenient place to shop, but it pays to slow down and verify before you hand over your money. A few extra minutes of caution can save you hours of frustration and potential financial loss.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center (November 2025). “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.”
  • Pew Research Center (July 2025). “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.”
  • Pew Research Center (September 2022). “Payment apps like Venmo and Cash App bring convenience – and security concerns – to some users.”
  • Federal Trade Commission. “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.”
  • Better Business Bureau. “Scam Tracker.”