One in Three Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Stay Safe
According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have been the victim of an online shopping scam. That number may sound high, but anyone who regularly shops online—especially through social media or unfamiliar websites—knows how easy it is to get burned. As holiday shopping ramps up and social commerce continues to grow, understanding the landscape of these scams and knowing how to defend against them is more important than ever.
What’s Happening: Common Online Shopping Scams
The Pew data shows that online shopping scams are widespread and come in several forms. The most common include:
- Fake websites and stores. Scammers create convincing-looking online shops that sell counterfeit goods or nothing at all. They often use stolen logos and professional-looking designs.
- Phishing emails and texts. You receive a message claiming to be from a well-known retailer, asking you to verify payment details or click a link to track a package. The link leads to a fake login page that steals your credentials.
- Social media ads and influencer promotions. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are rife with ads for products that never arrive. According to separate Pew data, a majority of U.S. TikTok users rely on the platform for product recommendations, which scammers exploit.
- Peer-to-peer payment fraud. Buyers are asked to pay via Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle for goods they never receive. These services offer little to no buyer protection for purchases from strangers.
Young adults aged 18–29 are especially vulnerable, as they are more active on social media and more likely to make spontaneous purchases from unfamiliar sellers. Nearly half of that age group reported falling for a shopping scam, according to the Pew survey.
Why It Matters
Beyond the obvious financial loss, online shopping scams can expose your personal and financial data. Scammers frequently ask for credit card numbers, addresses, or even Social Security numbers under the guise of “verification.” Once obtained, that information can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.
The emotional toll is also real. People often feel embarrassed when scammed, which leads them to avoid reporting it. That silence lets scammers keep operating. Knowing that one in three Americans has experienced this should remind you that it is not a rare occurrence—and that taking precautions is a normal part of modern shopping.
What You Can Do: Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
1. Research the Seller Before You Buy
If you encounter a deal that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Take five minutes to search for the store name plus “scam” or “review.” Look for consistent complaints about non-delivery or poor quality. Check whether the site provides a physical address and a working phone number. Legitimate businesses usually have a clear returns policy and contact information.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods
Credit cards and services like PayPal offer buyer protection if an item never arrives or is not as described. Avoid using peer-to-peer payment apps (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle) for purchases from strangers or unknown businesses. Those apps are designed for transactions with people you know and trust. Once you send money, it is virtually impossible to get it back.
3. Watch for Phishing Red Flags
Scammers often use urgency (“Your account has been suspended—click here now”) or fake shipping notifications. Hover over links before clicking; if the URL looks odd or does not match the retailer’s official domain, do not click. Type the retailer’s website address directly into your browser instead.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turning on two-factor authentication for your email, payment accounts, and retailer accounts adds an extra layer of security. Even if a scammer gets your password, they will not be able to log in without the second factor (usually a code sent to your phone).
5. Report Scams When You See Them
If you do fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge and request a chargeback. Change your passwords immediately. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also report the scam to the platform where you saw it—whether that is Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or a marketplace site. Reporting helps law enforcement track patterns and shut down organized scammers.
6. Educate Friends and Family
Many scams succeed because people are not aware of how sophisticated they have become. Share this information with older relatives who may be less comfortable online, as well as younger family members who tend to trust social media ads uncritically. A simple conversation can prevent a costly mistake.
Staying Vigilant Without Sacrificing Convenience
Online shopping is not going away, and neither are scammers. The key is to treat each purchase with a degree of healthy skepticism. If something feels off, take a step back. There is no need to give up the convenience of buying from your phone or the thrill of finding a deal—just build a few simple habits into your routine.
The Pew data is a reminder that fraud is not a fringe problem. It affects millions of Americans every year. The good news is that most scams are preventable when you know what to look for. By sticking to trusted sellers, using secure payments, and staying alert, you can shop online with far less risk.
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 Avoid Online Shopping Scams,” ftc.gov.