One in Three Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Stay Safe

Intro

If you shop online, you’ve probably heard warnings about scams. But a new study from the Pew Research Center puts a number on just how common these frauds have become. According to data released in late 2025, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33% of U.S. adults — meaning if you haven’t been targeted yourself, someone you know likely has.

The findings come at a time when online shopping continues to grow, especially during the holiday season. Scammers have adapted quickly, using fake websites, social media ads, and payment apps to steal money and personal information. This article breaks down what the research shows, why it matters, and — most importantly — what you can do to protect yourself.

What Happened – The Pew Research Findings

Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults and asked whether they had ever experienced an online shopping scam. The result: roughly one in three said yes. The term “online shopping scam” covered a range of incidents, including non-delivery of items, counterfeit goods, fraudulent sellers, and phishing attempts that trick people into sharing payment details.

This is not the first time Pew has looked at online fraud. Earlier reports in 2022 and 2024 examined payment app scams and the role of social media in shopping. The new data suggests the problem is widespread and likely growing, as more people buy from unfamiliar sources — especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where influencers promote products without strong buyer protections.

Why It Matters

Beyond the obvious financial loss, online shopping scams erode trust in the digital marketplace. Victims often lose not just money but also sensitive information like credit card numbers, addresses, and even login credentials. In some cases, scammers use stolen data to commit identity theft.

The scale of the problem means that even cautious shoppers can be caught off guard. Scammers have become sophisticated. They create professional-looking websites, use fake reviews, and run targeted ads that appear legitimate. The average person may not have the tools to spot every red flag.

Moreover, many people don’t know what to do after being scammed. They may feel embarrassed or assume there’s no recourse. That hesitation can make things worse, especially when fraud involves payment apps like Venmo or Cash App, where reversing a transaction is difficult.

What Readers Can Do – Practical Prevention Steps

You don’t have to stop shopping online to stay safe. A few simple habits can greatly reduce your risk.

Research the seller before buying. If you’re on a site you don’t know, search for reviews from independent sources. Look for complaints on the Better Business Bureau or consumer forums. Be suspicious of brand-new websites with no history.

Use a credit card rather than a debit card or bank transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. If you don’t receive the item or the seller disappears, you can dispute the charge. Debit cards and wire transfers are harder to reverse.

Be wary of deals that seem too good. That 80% off a popular gadget is rarely a real sale. Scammers lure victims with extremely low prices, then take the money and run. Compare prices with reputable retailers.

Check for HTTPS and look for typos. A secure website should have “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. But even that isn’t a guarantee. Read the URL carefully — scammers often use misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n.com”).

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts. Phishing messages often pretend to be from a retailer, asking you to confirm payment or track a package. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website.

Enable purchase protection when using payment apps. Services like PayPal, Venmo (with “Purchase Protection” turned on), and some credit cards offer coverage for goods not received. Check the terms before you pay.

If you do fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to try to stop the payment. Then file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also report the scam to the platform where you found the seller — whether it’s Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or a standalone website.

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. “How to recognize and avoid online shopping scams.” ftc.gov.

Staying vigilant won’t eliminate the risk entirely, but it can make you a harder target. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family — many scams succeed simply because people didn’t know what to watch for.