Online Shopping Scams Affect 1 in 3 Americans — Here’s How to Avoid Them

Buying things online is convenient, but it comes with risks that are easy to overlook. A November 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center found that about 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam. The number is a reminder that fraudulent sellers, phishing emails, and fake deals are not rare events. With major shopping occasions like Mother’s Day and Black Friday approaching, the risk typically increases as scammers try to take advantage of people looking for gifts or bargains.

This article explains the most common types of online shopping scams, what to look for, and how to protect yourself. If you’ve already been scammed, we also cover the steps you should take right away.

What Happened

Pew Research Center published a report in November 2025 showing that roughly one-third of U.S. adults have encountered an online shopping scam. The study also found that older adults were somewhat less likely to experience scams than younger age groups, though no demographic is immune. Separate reporting from the same period highlights seasonal patterns: around Mother’s Day, fake florist scams become especially common, as documented by the Tri‑City Herald in April 2026. Black Friday similarly brings a surge in fraudulent websites and phishing emails, according to a November 2025 report from Fingerlakes1.com.

These scams are not limited to one platform. They appear on social media, in email inboxes, and via search engine ads that look legitimate at first glance.

Why It Matters

The direct financial impact is obvious—losing money on goods that never arrive, or having payment details stolen. But the consequences often go further. Scammers may collect enough personal information to commit identity theft. Victims can spend hours disputing charges and freezing credit reports. And the emotional toll, from embarrassment to frustration, can make people hesitant to shop online at all.

The problem is compounded by how sophisticated some scams have become. A fake website might copy the design of a well‑known retailer, complete with realistic logos and customer reviews. A phishing email might look like a shipping notification from a carrier you actually use. Without careful attention, it is easy to be deceived.

What Readers Can Do

You do not need to be a cybersecurity expert to avoid most shopping scams. The following steps cover the most effective precautions.

Check the source of a deal. If a price seems too good for a popular item—like a high‑end electronics product at 80% off—it is probably a trap. Scammers rely on urgency and low prices to make you act quickly. Compare the price across several trustworthy retailers.

Verify the website. Look at the URL carefully. A fake site might use a slight misspelling (amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com) or a different domain suffix. Check for a padlock icon in the address bar, but be aware that scammers can also obtain SSL certificates, so this is not a guarantee. Search for independent reviews of the seller before entering payment information.

Pay with a credit card. Credit card companies typically offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, bank transfers, or payment apps. If the item never arrives or is not as described, you can dispute the charge. Avoid wiring money or using prepaid gift cards for online purchases.

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts. Many seasonal scams rely on fake shipping confirmations, order problems, or exclusive deals sent by email. Instead of clicking the link, open the retailer’s website directly in your browser or use their official app.

Research seasonal scams specifically. For Mother’s Day, be cautious when ordering flowers from an unfamiliar florist. The Tri‑City Herald warns that scammers create fake storefronts that take orders but never deliver. For Black Friday, watch for phishing emails that claim to offer early access to sales—they are often designed to steal your login credentials.

If you do fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the fraudulent charge. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports if you shared sensitive information.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About 1 in 3 Americans say they experienced an online shopping scam,” November 2025.
  • Tri‑City Herald, “Fake florist scams: What to watch out for this Mother’s Day,” April 2026.
  • Fingerlakes1.com, “BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS: What to watch out for online this year,” November 2025.
  • Pew Research Center, “Online Scams and Attacks in America Today,” July 2025.

Staying safe while shopping online does not require paranoia, but a healthy skepticism and a few simple habits can save you time, money, and stress. Before you click “buy,” take a moment to verify what’s real—and what isn’t.