One in Three Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam — Here’s How to Stay Safe

If you’ve ever clicked on a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up with an empty mailbox and a drained bank account, you’re far from alone. According to a new Pew Research Center survey released in November 2025, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s a sizable number — and with holiday shopping already underway, it’s worth understanding what these scams look like and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic.

What Happened

Pew’s data, drawn from a survey of U.S. adults, found that roughly 34% of respondents reported experiencing at least one online shopping scam. The figure is part of a broader study on online scams and attacks, which also noted that younger adults and those who frequently use social media or payment apps were more likely to report an incident.

The survey didn’t dive into every scam type, but it aligns with other research and common reports: fake websites, phishing emails that mimic retailers, fraudulent ads on social media platforms, and scams involving payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. As more people shop via their phones and rely on influencer recommendations — especially younger adults — the opportunities for scammers multiply.

Why It Matters

One in three is not a small group. It suggests that shopping scams are not rare exceptions but a regular risk for a large portion of the population. The consequences go beyond losing money on a single purchase. Scammers often collect personal information — addresses, credit card numbers, bank details — which can lead to identity theft or further fraud.

The holiday season amplifies the danger. Scammers know people are busy, looking for deals, and more likely to click impulsively. They also know that many buyers are using peer-to-peer payment apps, which often lack the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once a payment is sent via Venmo or Cash App to a scammer, recovering that money is difficult.

What Readers Can Do

The goal here is not to scare you away from online shopping altogether, but to help you spot scams before you hand over any money. Below are practical steps, grounded in what consumer protection agencies and security experts typically recommend.

1. Check the seller and site thoroughly.
Before you buy from an unfamiliar online store, do a quick background check. Search for the store’s name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Look at reviews, but be aware that fake reviews exist. Check for a physical address and working customer service number. If the domain name looks odd — for example, “amaz0n-deals.net” instead of “amazon.com” — that’s a red flag.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good.
Scammers often lure shoppers with prices that are far below market value. If a new iPhone is listed for $200, ask yourself why. A legitimate seller rarely has a reason to sell at a huge loss. When in doubt, compare the price with known retailers.

3. Use credit cards, not debit cards or payment apps.
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection. Under U.S. law, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50, and many card issuers waive that entirely. Debit cards and payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App do not offer the same protections. The Pew survey specifically noted that users of payment apps may be at higher risk, largely because these platforms are designed for transactions between people you know, not for buying from strangers.

4. Enable purchase alerts.
Set up real-time notifications for your credit card or bank account. That way, if a scammer uses your card, you’ll know almost immediately and can dispute the charge quickly.

5. Watch for phishing messages.
Many shopping scams start with an email or text that looks like it’s from a well-known retailer. They might claim there’s a problem with your order or offer a “limited-time coupon.” Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the URL yourself.

6. If you’re scammed, act fast.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away to report the fraudulent charge. They may be able to reverse it. Also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Change passwords on any accounts you used, especially if you reused the same password elsewhere. It’s also wise to monitor your credit reports for any new accounts opened in your name.

7. Be cautious with influencer and social media ads.
Pew’s earlier research found that a majority of TikTok users see product recommendations on the platform, and many act on them. Not all influencer posts are scams, but scammers have learned to create convincing ads with fake testimonials and AI-generated reviews. If you see a product promoted by an account you don’t know, treat it with the same skepticism you would a random pop-up ad.

Scammers are always adapting. One growing tactic involves using AI to generate fake product reviews that sound authentic. Another is creating social media profiles that impersonate real brands, then directing users to lookalike websites. The same Pew study found that many Americans are still unaware of how common these scams are, which works in scammers’ favor.

None of this means you should stop shopping online. But taking a few extra seconds to verify a deal or a seller can save you hours of frustration and lost money. The Pew data shows that this isn’t a niche problem — it affects millions of people. With the steps above, you can reduce your odds of becoming part of that one-in-three statistic.

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); FTC.