Online Shopping Scams Hit 1 in 3 Americans: How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve ever clicked a link for a great deal and ended up with nothing but an empty bank account, you’re far from alone. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one in three adults. As holiday shopping season approaches, the risk is especially high. Here’s what the data shows and what you can do to avoid becoming a statistic.
What Happened
Pew surveyed U.S. adults and found that 33% reported personally experiencing an online shopping scam. This wasn’t a small sample or a niche problem. It cut across age groups, income levels, and regions. The survey also highlighted that scams often involve fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, phishing emails that look like order confirmations, and fraudulent social media ads promising steep discounts. Another common vector: payment apps like Venmo and Cash App, which many people use because they’re fast but offer minimal buyer protection.
The numbers are a reminder that online shopping scams aren’t rare events. They are a routine hazard for anyone who buys things over the internet.
Why It Matters
A single scam can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims often spend hours disputing charges, canceling cards, and worrying about identity theft. The emotional toll—frustration, embarrassment, and a sense of violation—adds up too.
The holiday season amplifies all of this. Scammers know people are looking for bargains and may be more willing to click unfamiliar links or try new sellers. Delivery deadlines add urgency, which scammers exploit with fake “tracking” emails or messages about “missed deliveries.” The pressure to get gifts on time makes it easier to overlook warning signs.
Because the problem is widespread and growing, understanding how to spot a scam isn’t just a good idea—it’s a basic skill for anyone who shops online.
What Readers Can Do
You can lower your risk without giving up the convenience of online shopping. Here are practical steps that actually work:
1. Stick with known sellers and verified sites.
If you’ve never heard of a store, do a quick search for “(store name) scam” or read recent reviews. Look for a street address and a working phone number. Be suspicious of sites that use a slight misspelling of a major brand (like “Amaz0n” with a zero).
2. Pay with a credit card, not a debit card or payment app.
Credit cards offer strong fraud protection under federal law (the Fair Credit Billing Act). If you dispute a charge within 60 days, you’re usually not liable. Debit cards have weaker protections, and payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App were never designed for buying from strangers. Some have no purchase protection at all.
3. Watch for red flags in emails and ads.
Phishing emails often have poor grammar, a generic greeting like “Dear Customer,” and a link that doesn’t match the official domain. Hover over the link before clicking—if it looks weird, don’t click. Social media ads that seem too good to be true (80% off a popular brand) usually are.
4. Use a virtual credit card or one-time payment number.
Many banks and card issuers offer temporary card numbers for online purchases. They work like a regular card but expire after one use or a short period. This limits damage if the merchant turns out to be fraudulent.
5. Check your statements regularly.
Set up transaction alerts on your credit card or bank account. If you see a small, unfamiliar charge, act on it. Scammers sometimes test with a tiny amount before making a larger purchase.
6. If you are scammed, act fast.
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Dispute the charge. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The sooner you report, the better your chances of recovering the money.
Sources
The data referenced in this article comes from the Pew Research Center survey published in November 2025, reported in outlets including The Business Journal Daily. You can find the full Pew report on their website, but here is a Google News link for reference: Pew Research Center article. Additional guidance on payment app risks is drawn from Pew’s 2022 research on payment apps and security concerns.