Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans – Here’s How to Avoid Them
If you’ve ever clicked “buy now” on a deal that seemed too good, only to receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit, you’re not alone. A new report from the Pew Research Center found that about a third of U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s millions of people, and the numbers are likely underreported because many victims never realize they were scammed until it’s too late.
What the Pew Data Shows
The survey, released in November 2025, asked Americans whether they had ever been the victim of an online shopping scam. Roughly 32 percent said yes. This covers a range of incidents: paying for items that never arrived, receiving products that were misrepresented, or having payment information stolen during a transaction. The data also suggests that younger adults and those who shop frequently on social media platforms are at higher risk.
These numbers are consistent with earlier Pew studies on digital fraud. In 2023, the center reported that online shopping had grown rapidly in the U.S., and with that growth comes more opportunities for scammers. The convenience of buying from a phone or laptop has opened the door to fake storefronts, phishing links, and fraudulent ads.
Why This Matters for Shoppers
An online shopping scam is more than just a lost purchase. It can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and hours of frustration trying to resolve the issue with banks or retailers. Many scams target payment credentials, which can then be used for larger fraud. And because scammers constantly refine their tactics, what looked safe a year ago may not be safe today.
The Pew finding is a reminder that even experienced online shoppers can be caught off guard. No one is immune, but you can reduce your risk with a few deliberate habits.
How to Protect Yourself
The most effective way to avoid shopping scams is to slow down and verify before you pay. Here are concrete steps:
Use a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, gift cards, or payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. If a purchase turns out to be fraudulent, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. With debit cards, the money is gone from your account immediately, and recovering it takes longer.
Research the seller. If you’re buying from a brand you don’t recognize, search for reviews from multiple sources. Look for red flags like no working phone number, a generic email address, or a domain name that’s only a few months old. You can check a site’s registration date using free whois lookup tools.
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. Scammers often lure victims with prices far below market value. A brand-new smartphone for 80 percent off is almost certainly a scam. If the offer creates a sense of urgency—“only 2 left!” or “sale ends in 10 minutes”—that’s another warning sign.
Avoid clicking ads on social media without vetting. Scammers buy ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok that mimic legitimate stores. Instead of clicking an ad, type the store’s URL into your browser manually. If the ad is for a product you’ve never heard of, search for it independently.
Check for secure payment pages. Before entering payment details, look for “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon. This doesn’t guarantee the site is legitimate, but it’s a minimum requirement. Never enter payment information on a site that shows “http://” or has no padlock.
Enable two-factor authentication on your payment accounts. Even if a scammer gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second verification step.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping. Public networks can be intercepted by scammers. If you need to make a purchase while out, use your phone’s cellular data or a VPN.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you realize you’ve been scammed, act quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the transaction. They can reverse the charge and issue a new card if needed. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you gave out personal information like your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
You should also change passwords for the account you used and for any other accounts that share the same password. Consider freezing your credit if you suspect identity theft.
The Pew data shows that online shopping scams are widespread, but they are largely avoidable with caution and good habits. The next time you see a dazzling deal, take a moment to verify. It might save you a headache—and your money.
Sources: Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them” (Nov. 2025); FTC Consumer Advice.