Online shopping scams hit 1 in 3 Americans: Here’s how to spot and avoid them

If you’ve bought something online that never arrived, or clicked a link that led to a fake checkout page, you are far from alone. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three U.S. adults say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That number is a reminder that fraudulent listings, phony storefronts, and payment app tricks are no longer rare — they’ve become a standard risk of digital commerce.

This article breaks down what the Pew data tells us, why the numbers matter for everyday shoppers, and most importantly, what concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.

What happened

Pew Research Center released a report in late 2025 showing that about one-third of American adults report having been the victim of an online shopping scam. The survey covered a wide range of fraud, from items that never shipped to sellers who disappeared after payment. This is part of a broader Pew study on online scams and attacks in the U.S., which also found that payment app fraud and phishing attempts are common.

The timing is notable. Scammers often ramp up efforts around major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales. The Pew data suggests that even outside of those peaks, the risk is persistent.

Why it matters

One in three is not a small fringe group — it’s a mainstream problem. For context, that is about the same proportion of Americans who say they have been a victim of credit card fraud in the past year. The consequences go beyond losing money on a single purchase. Many online shopping scams also harvest personal information — home addresses, phone numbers, even passwords — which can lead to identity theft or follow-up scam attempts.

Another concern is the rise of scams through social media and payment apps. Pew has separately reported that a majority of TikTok users browse product reviews and recommendations on the platform, and that younger adults often rely on influencer links to shop. Scammers know this and create fake ads or impersonate legitimate sellers on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Likewise, payment apps like Venmo and Cash App are convenient but offer weaker fraud protection than credit cards, especially when used for peer-to-peer purchases with strangers.

If you are an online shopper — and most of us are — the odds are that you will encounter a scam attempt sooner or later. The question is whether you will recognize it before it costs you.

What readers can do

The best protection is knowing the common signs of a scam and building safe shopping habits. Here are practical steps grounded in the patterns security researchers have observed.

1. Spot red flags before you buy

Unrealistic discounts. If a brand-new gadget or designer item is priced at 80% off normal retail, it is almost certainly a scam. Scammers lure you in with prices that make you ignore your doubts.
Pressure to pay a specific way. Legitimate sellers accept credit cards, PayPal, or established checkout services. If the seller insists on wire transfer, gift cards, or a peer-to-peer payment app (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle) with no buyer protection, walk away.
Poor website quality. Look for misspellings, broken English, no contact page, or an address that doesn’t match a real store. Also check the URL — it should begin with “https” and have a padlock icon.
No reviews or only glowing ones. Search for the seller or product name plus “scam” or “review.” A complete absence of independent reviews is a warning sign.

2. Use payment methods that offer protection

A credit card is generally the safest option for online shopping. If a product never arrives or is not as described, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. Debit cards offer less protection, and payment apps are not designed for commercial transactions — they are intended for sending money to friends and family. Some platforms now offer a purchase protection feature if you choose the “goods and services” option, but it is not automatic. Always select that when possible.

3. Shop directly, not through ads or links

Scammers often use paid ads on social media and search engines that mimic real brands. Instead of clicking an ad or a link in an email, open a new browser tab and type in the store’s official URL. This simple step bypasses many phishing attempts.

4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases

Public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, airports, or hotels are not secure. A scammer on the same network could intercept your payment details. Use your phone’s cellular data or a virtual private network (VPN) if you must shop on the go.

5. Know what to do if you get scammed

If you realize you’ve fallen for a scam:

Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can stop the payment or reverse it if reported quickly.
Change any passwords you may have shared, especially if you reused them across accounts.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps law enforcement track the scammers.
If you gave away sensitive information like your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

None of this means you should stop shopping online. The convenience is real, and most transactions are legitimate. But knowing that one in three Americans has already been hit is a useful dose of realism. A few extra seconds of caution — checking the URL, choosing the right payment method, and verifying the seller — can save you time, money, and frustration.

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.
Pew Research Center. “A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations.” November 2024.