THINK ONLY GRANDMA GETS SCAMMED? THINK AGAIN — Younger Shoppers Are Leading Victims of Online Fraud

Dec 22

Written By Myrah Del Rosario

**Online Scams Are Getting Smarter — And So Are the Victims**

When you think of scam victims, you might imagine older adults unfamiliar with tech. But according to recent data from the FTC, that stereotype is wrong. Shoppers under 60 — including Millennials and Gen Z — are actually more likely to fall for online shopping scams, often through social media ads and fake retail websites.
At **R23 Law**, our **California Consumer Protection Attorneys** represent clients across all age groups who’ve been tricked into handing over credit card info, cryptocurrency, or personal data to fake sellers. The scams are evolving — and they’re targeting the most connected among us.

The Surprising Truth About Who Gets Scammed

Key stats from the FTC report:

Shoppers under 60 were 86% more likely to report losing money in online shopping scams than those over 60.
Gen Z and Millennials (ages 18–39) are especially at risk, often falling for scam posts on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
The median loss for under-60 victims was $500, compared to $1,500 for those over 80 — but the number of young victims was much higher.

The Most Common Types of Fraud

Per the FTC’s findings, the top scams targeting consumers include:

Online Shopping Scams
Business Imposters
Investment Scams (including cryptocurrency)
Tech Support Scams
Government and Family Imposters
Lottery, Sweepstakes, and Prize Fraud
Romance and Fake Check Scams

Why Social Media Is a Hotbed for Fraud

Scammers know where attention is — and that’s social media. For victims under 60:

31% were targeted via social media ads or fake accounts
30% were tricked through fake websites or shopping apps

These posts often feature:

Unrealistic discounts
Urgency (“Only 5 left!”)
No working customer service number
Missing return/refund info
Fake payment methods (like bank transfers or gift cards)

How to Tell If You’re Being Scammed

Watch for these red flags:

The deal is too good to be true
Pressure to pay quickly or via bank transfer, Venmo, or gift card
Sloppy website design or typos
Social media store with no reviews or return policy
You’re contacted out of the blue by someone urging a purchase
No working customer support number or legitimate address listed

What to Do If You’re a Victim of an Online Shopping Scam

Document everything — receipts, messages, website screenshots
Report the fraud — to the FTC, your bank, and the platform where it happened
Monitor your credit — in case your info was compromised
Contact a consumer protection attorney

At R23 Law, our team fights for victims of deceptive online practices — and helps them recover lost money or pursue legal remedies when companies enable the scam.

You’re Not Alone — And You’re Not Powerless

Scammers are counting on shame and silence. But you have rights — and legal options. Whether you were scammed on Instagram, fell for a fake crypto platform, or lost money to a fraudulent online store, R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are here to help.