The "Shame Gap": New Data Shows 3 in 4 Americans Stay Silent After Getting Burned in Everyday Consumer Situations

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ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 31, 2026--

A new national study by LegalShield finds 3 in 4 Americans are losing hundreds of dollars to everyday deception tactics – not because they can’t get help, but because they are too ashamed to admit they were tricked. The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that while 75% of consumers have personally felt taken advantage of or swindled, more than half say the resulting embarrassment prevents them from trying to make it right.

"I can't tell you how many times someone comes to me and says, 'I knew something was wrong, but I didn't think it was worth making a fuss over,'" said Wayne Hassay, a LegalShield provider lawyer at Ohio-based Maguire Schneider Hassay, LLP. "It's almost always worth it. The people on the other end of these situations are counting on you to stay quiet."

The High Cost of Everyday Deceptions

The study highlights that these grievances aren't rare, but common occurrences in the modern marketplace. For many Americans, it is often brushed off as bad luck or just “life happening."

• 67% have encountered hidden fees or price hikes that felt deceptive or unfair.
• 59% have paid a service provider—such as a contractor, mover, or mechanic—who failed to deliver what was promised after receiving payment.
• 38% have purchased a product or ticket online that turned out to be fake, misrepresented, or never arrived.
• 33% felt swindled during a major life purchase, such as a home, a vehicle, or a major home renovation.

The Silence of the Swindled

The data reveals that the cost of staying silent to protect one's pride is a major factor in unreported consumer grievances.

• 55% of those swindled kept the incident entirely to themselves or only told a few close people.
• 53% of respondents feel "stupid" for being fooled.
• Beyond the embarrassment, 66% of Americans believe that not knowing what to say to a lawyer is a significant hurdle to getting help.

Restoring Consumer Confidence

The study concludes that when the barriers of shame and high costs are removed, Americans have a high desire for legal protection. 78% say that having a lawyer "on call" would make them feel more confident in their daily marketplace interactions.

"The honest truth is, we’ve seen it all," said Rebecca A. Carter, a LegalShield provider lawyer with Friedman, Framme & Thrush, PA. "Contractors, movers, repair issues, surprise charges—none of it is too small or too messy to talk about. This is a judgment-free zone. Give us the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s why we’re here, and that’s how we help."

About LegalShield

For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world's largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield and its privacy management product IDShield equip individuals, families, businesses, and employers with the tools they need to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is transforming how people access legal guidance, with hundreds of qualified attorneys and law firms across the country. To learn more, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.

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KEYWORD: OKLAHOMA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

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SOURCE: LegalShield

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PUB: 03/31/2026 09:00 AM/DISC: 03/31/2026 09:03 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331045925/en