Chaverim, I live in NJ where taxes are cheaper than NY. I don’t use the internet much for shopping and I think all my purchases required tax to be paid. I don’t shop with Amazon or Overstock. I had a busy year and I don’t really shop that much.
If the population is unaware, then it makes their accountants or tax prep people liable for not asking the question. If they file themselves, they are liable.
Just because you are unaware, doesnt make it legal.