One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – What to Know

If you’ve ever clicked on a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up losing money or having your card stolen, you’re not alone. According to new research from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The data, released in late 2025, shows that 34% of U.S. adults have personally experienced this type of fraud.

With the holiday shopping season now in full swing, that number is a reminder that online scams aren’t rare incidents—they’re a routine risk. Whether you’re browsing Amazon, buying from a small seller on Instagram, or clicking a deal from an email, knowing the warning signs and safe practices can make the difference between a successful purchase and a costly mistake.

What Happened: The Scope of the Problem

Pew’s survey asked Americans about a range of online threats, including phishing, ransomware, and online shopping scams. The finding that 34% had encountered a shopping scam specifically stands out because it’s one of the most common forms of fraud. The report also noted that younger adults and those with higher household incomes were more likely to report being scammed—probably because they shop online more often and interact with a wider variety of sellers and platforms.

Common types of online shopping scams include:

  • Fake websites that imitate legitimate stores, often with slightly misspelled URLs.
  • Phishing emails or texts claiming a problem with your order, asking you to click a link or provide payment details.
  • Social media ads and marketplace listings for items that never arrive, or arrive as cheap counterfeits.
  • Payment methods that offer no buyer protection, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to‑peer apps like Venmo and Cash App.

These scams aren’t just about losing a few dollars. Victims often have their payment card information stolen, and in some cases, their identity can be used for further fraud.

Why It Matters Now

The timing of Pew’s report is important. Holiday shopping in November and December sees a huge spike in both legitimate purchases and scam attempts. Scammers know that people are busier, more distracted, and more willing to click on a “limited-time deal.” If someone already lost money in a scam earlier this year, they might be more cautious—but the sheer volume of offers makes it easy to slip up.

Beyond the immediate financial loss, there’s the hassle of canceling cards, disputing charges, and worrying about your personal data floating around. For older adults or less tech-savvy shoppers, the confusion and embarrassment can also discourage them from shopping online altogether, which limits their access to competitive prices and convenience.

What Readers Can Do: Practical Steps to Shop Safely

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to avoid most online shopping scams. A few straightforward habits go a long way.

Recognize the Red Flags

  • Unrealistically low prices. If a brand‑new smartphone or designer handbag is listed at 70% off, it’s almost certainly a scam.
  • Poor website quality. Look for misspellings, odd stock photos, and missing contact information. Legitimate stores have clear privacy policies and return policies.
  • Pressure to act fast. Scammers often create urgency: “Only 2 left at this price!” or “Sale ends in 10 minutes.” Real deals don’t need that kind of push.
  • Unusual payment requests. Be suspicious if the seller insists on wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Credit cards and PayPal offer the best protection because you can dispute a charge.

Shop on Reputable Sites

Stick with well‑known retailers when possible. If you’re trying a seller you don’t know, do a quick search: “(website name) scam” or read reviews on sites like Trustpilot. Check that the URL starts with https:// (the “s” stands for secure). Also, make sure the browser is up to date and that you’re not using public Wi‑Fi for purchases.

Secure Your Payment Info

Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have stronger fraud protection and don’t drain your bank account immediately. For purchases from unknown sellers, consider using a virtual credit card number (many issuers offer this) or a service like PayPal that keeps your financial details private.

If Something Goes Wrong: Quick Recovery Steps

Even careful shoppers can get tricked. If you realize you’ve been scammed:

  1. Stop all communication with the scammer.
  2. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the charge and request a chargeback.
  3. Change the passwords on your email, shopping accounts, and any site where you used the same password.
  4. Freeze your credit at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.
  5. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and with your local police department.

Document everything: screenshots of the listing, emails, payment receipts, and any other evidence.

The Bottom Line

A third of Americans has been hit by an online shopping scam, according to Pew. That’s a lot of people, but it also means that most have avoided it so far. Staying safe doesn’t require paranoia—just a bit of caution before you click “buy.” Take an extra minute to verify the seller, use a secure payment method, and trust your gut when a deal seems too good. It’s the best protection you’ve got.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, “About a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them,” November 2025. (Referenced via Google News and news outlets reporting the data.)
  • Federal Trade Commission, “What To Do If You Were Scammed,” ftc.gov.