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Drew Blankenship

Scam Losses Hit $15.3 Billion — Here’s What It Means for Online Shoppers in 2026

online shopping scams
Image Source: Shutterstock

Approximately 288 million Americans, or about 84% of the United States population, shop online. It’s easy and fast. For the most part, people have a pleasant experience without having to experience the hustle and bustle of the stores. However, it can also be incredibly risky when it comes to your financial information.

Fraud losses tied to scams and cybercrime have surged in recent years, costing Americans billions of dollars annually. Government data shows consumers reported losing over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 alone, a massive jump that signals scammers are getting more sophisticated every year. Some cybersecurity experts estimate that total scam losses could exceed $15 billion annually as scams evolve and expand online, affecting everything from retail purchases to payment apps.

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