Indiana Online Shopping Scam Reports Rise in 2025
Residents reported millions in losses as fraudulent websites continue to target shoppers across the state.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Couponing
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Indiana residents reported a 5% increase in online shopping scams in 2025, contributing to a total of $10.6 million in losses recorded between 2022 and 2025. These scams often utilize sophisticated websites that mimic legitimate retailers to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
Why it matters
As online spending reaches massive scales, with Adobe forecasting $275.1 billion in U.S. holiday-season sales, shoppers remain at risk of financial loss. Understanding these trends is critical for maintaining awareness while navigating digital marketplaces.
In 2025, Indiana residents faced an average loss of $585 per scam report, which remains 31.5% below the national average of $854. The state recorded 27,422 total reports between 2021 and 2025, reflecting a rate of 398.1 reports per 100,000 residents.
The players
Adobe
This multinational computer software company provides industry-standard market analysis and financial forecasting for digital commerce trends.
The details
Scammers effectively lure victims by creating counterfeit websites that replicate the logos, photography, and pricing structures of well-known retailers. These bad actors frequently demand payment via untraceable methods, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, to finalize their illicit transactions.
Timeline
Between 2021 and 2025, Indiana recorded 27,422 total reports of online shopping scams.
The total reported loss of $10.6 million occurred between 2022 and 2025.
In 2025, Indiana experienced a 5% year-over-year increase in reported online shopping scams.
Black Friday shopping activity is scheduled for November 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
This increase in local fraud reports reflects a broader societal shift toward digital-first shopping, tracking closely with Adobe's annual U.S. online holiday-season spending forecast. As consumers transition away from brick-and-mortar stores, they are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated online impersonation tactics.
Shoppers should verify the authenticity of websites before entering payment information, especially during high-volume shopping periods. Paying through secure, trackable methods instead of gift cards or wire transfers significantly reduces the risk of permanent financial loss.
The takeaway
Consumers should be wary of any retailer that requires payment through non-standard channels like cryptocurrency or wire transfers. Maintaining a habit of checking site URLs for slight misspellings or anomalies can help protect your household budget from fraudulent activity.
Further reading
For tips on identifying legitimate retailers, visit the Couponing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWO 1190 AM | 107.5 FM.
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