One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online: How to Stay Safe

What Happened

According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 33% of Americans—a figure that underscores just how common these scams have become. The same survey found that younger adults, particularly those under 30, were even more likely to report being targeted, though no age group is immune.

The report is part of a larger Pew study on online scams and attacks in America, which also found that phishing emails, fake order confirmations, and fraudulent social media ads are among the most frequently encountered threats. The data is based on a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults conducted in mid-2025.

Why It Matters

Online shopping has become a routine part of daily life. The same Pew research shows that a majority of Americans now shop online at least occasionally, and many use mobile apps or social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to discover products. As e‑commerce grows, so does the surface area for scammers.

What makes online shopping scams particularly dangerous is that they often mimic legitimate experiences: a realistic-looking website, a convincing email from a “shipping carrier,” or an ad for a heavily discounted item from what appears to be a real brand. Unlike a stolen credit card number, these scams usually involve deception that leads the victim to voluntarily hand over payment or personal information.

The financial impact can range from a few dollars to hundreds or thousands, and recovering that money is often difficult—especially if the payment method doesn’t offer buyer protection. The emotional toll is real too: many victims feel embarrassed or unsure whom to report it to.

What Readers Can Do

There’s no single trick that will protect you from every scam, but a few consistent habits can drastically reduce your risk.

Recognize the most common types

  • Fake websites: Scammers create sites that look like well-known retailers. They may use a slightly altered URL (like “amaz0n.com” or “bestbuy-discounts.org”). The deals are often too good to be true—90% off popular electronics, for example.
  • Fake order confirmations or shipping alerts: You get an email or text saying your package is delayed or your order failed, with a link to “track” or “update payment.” Clicking the link leads to a phishing page that steals your login or payment info.
  • Social media marketplace scams: On Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok Shop, sellers may take payment for an item and never ship it. Some even use stolen photos from real listings.
  • Influencer-promoted deals: Not all influencer recommendations are scams, but some are paid promotions for low-quality or non‑existent products.

Spot the red flags

Before you click “buy,” do a quick check:

  • Look at the URL: Does it match the retailer’s exact domain? A locked padlock icon (HTTPS) is a good sign, but it’s not a guarantee—scammers can get certificates too.
  • Check for typos and odd grammar: Many scam sites copy legitimate ones but make small errors in product descriptions, policies, or “About Us” pages.
  • Search for reviews: Type the store’s name plus “scam” or “review” into a search engine. Look for complaints on Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or Reddit.
  • Verify the seller: If you’re buying from a marketplace or social media, check the seller’s history. A brand‑new account with no reviews is a risk.
  • Watch for payment pressure: If the seller insists on payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, walk away. Those methods are nearly impossible to reverse.

Use safer payment methods

  • Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection under federal law (Fair Credit Billing Act). Your liability for unauthorized charges is capped at $50, and many issuers have zero‑liability policies.
  • Debit cards have weaker protections. If scammed, the money is taken directly from your bank account, and recovery can take weeks. Avoid using debit cards for online shopping with unfamiliar sellers.
  • Payment apps like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay can be safer than entering your card number directly, but protections vary. PayPal’s “Goods and Services” option offers buyer protection; “Friends and Family” does not.
  • Virtual credit cards (offered by some banks) generate a one‑time card number linked to your account, limiting exposure.

What to do if you get scammed

Act quickly. The chances of recovering your money diminish with time.

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the fraud and dispute the charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction if possible.
  2. Change any passwords you may have entered on a suspicious site. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords.
  3. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares data with law enforcement.
  4. File a complaint with the platform: If the scam happened on a marketplace or social media site, report the seller or ad.
  5. Check your credit report for signs of identity theft if you shared personal information like your Social Security number. You can get a free report at AnnualCreditReport.com.

No single precaution is foolproof, but combining these steps makes it much harder for scammers to succeed. And if something feels off—even if you can’t put your finger on why—trust that instinct. It’s better to miss a good deal than to lose your money.

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.
  • Federal Trade Commission. What To Do If You Were Scammed. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
  • Fair Credit Billing Act. 15 U.S.C. § 1666.