One in Three Americans Has Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: Here’s What to Watch For

If you’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” on a deal that seemed too good to be true, only to receive nothing or a knockoff product, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33% of the adult population—a number that should give any regular online shopper pause.

The timing of the data is especially relevant as we head into a holiday season that sees a surge in e‑commerce transactions. Scammers know this, and they’re constantly refining their tactics. Understanding the landscape and knowing a few basic precautions can save you both money and headache.

What Happened

Pew’s survey, published November 19, 2025, asked Americans whether they had personally experienced an online shopping scam. One in three said yes. The report didn’t detail every specific scheme, but earlier Pew research (July 2025) on online scams and attacks in America provides broader context. Common types of online shopping scams include:

  • Fake online stores that look legitimate but never deliver goods.
  • Phishing emails or texts that mimic retailers, asking for payment or login credentials.
  • Fraud on social media marketplaces where sellers disappear after payment.
  • Payment app scams where buyers send money through apps like Venmo or Cash App with no buyer protection.

Pew also noted that younger adults—who are more likely to use phones for shopping and to follow influencer recommendations—may be at higher risk. A 2022 Pew report found that phones are now a common shopping tool, and a 2024 survey showed that a majority of TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations. These trends, combined with the growth of online shopping overall, create more opportunities for scammers.

Why It Matters

For the average shopper, the prevalence of these scams means that trust alone is no longer a safe strategy. Scammers invest in professional-looking websites, fake reviews, and social media ads that appear genuine. They exploit the convenience of digital payments and the urgency of limited‑time offers.

The financial impact can be significant, but the damage isn’t always immediate. Scammers may also harvest personal information—email addresses, phone numbers, even credit card details—for future identity theft or fraud. Once your information is out there, it can be sold on dark web marketplaces long before you realize something is wrong.

Because online shopping is now deeply embedded in daily life for most Americans, these scams affect nearly everyone, regardless of technical skill. Knowing the warning signs is no longer optional.

What Readers Can Do

Your best defense is a combination of caution, good payment habits, and prompt action if something goes wrong. Here are concrete steps you can take right now:

Before You Buy

  • Verify the seller. If you’re on a site you’ve never used, search for reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Be skeptical of sellers that only exist on social media or have very few reviews.
  • Check the URL. Scammers often use addresses that mimic real brands but include extra letters or misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n.com”). Look for a padlock icon and “https://” in the address bar, though keep in mind that even legitimate‑looking sites can be fraudulent.
  • Research the payment method. Use a credit card when possible, because most credit card issuers offer chargeback rights if the item never arrives. Debit cards and wire transfers offer far less protection. For payment apps, understand whether the service offers buyer protection—and note that sending money “friends and family” usually waives any protection.
  • Be wary of deals that seem too good. If a luxury handbag is 90% off or a new smartphone costs a fraction of retail, ask yourself why. That type of pressure is a classic red flag.

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. File a fraud claim and ask to freeze the account or card.
  • Change any passwords you used on the site. Enable two‑factor authentication where possible.
  • Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to track patterns and sometimes takes action against repeat offenders.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges in the weeks following the scam.

Even after you’ve resolved the immediate issue, keep an eye on your credit report. Scammers can leverage stolen data for larger identity theft schemes.

The Bottom Line

The Pew data confirms what many people already suspect: online shopping scams are not rare. They are a persistent, widespread problem. But you don’t need to stop shopping online to stay safe. A little skepticism, smart payment choices, and knowing what to do when things go wrong will reduce your risk considerably.

Scammers adapt quickly, but most rely on the same human tendencies—trust, urgency, and the desire for a bargain. Recognizing those pressures is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center. “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them.” November 19, 2025.
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  • Pew Research Center. “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today.” July 31, 2025.
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  • Pew Research Center. “For shopping, phones are common and influencers have become a factor – especially for young adults.” November 21, 2022.
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  • Pew Research Center. “Payment app users say they make paying easier, but security a concern for some.” September 8, 2022.
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  • Pew Research Center. “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations.” November 21, 2024.
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  • Pew Research Center. “Online shopping has grown rapidly in the U.S., but most sales are still in stores.” November 22, 2023.
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