Friday, November 25, 2011

Cyber Monday – CNN

As discussed on CNN – here are some tips, site and things to know about all things Cyber Monday.




Cyber Monday was a phrase coined in 2005 and since then, the shopping holiday has only seen a substantial annual increase in growth.  Last year, comScore recorded a $1 billion online shopping day, so you can bet other retailers are ramping up on all fronts to cash in this year.
According to a shop.org survey, 8 out of 10 online retailers are expected to offer specials on Cyber Monday this year.

And the best part, over half of the people shopping online Monday, will be doing it at work.  Might as well just start giving people the day off...

Beware of Scams.
Your inbox will be full of promotions from your favorite stores.  Read carefully.  It still amazes me how smart phishing schemes are these days.  Scammers will lure on hot ticket items….

Beware of phishing schemes
I can create a fake photoshop ad trying to lure you to a malicious website in about ten minutes. Beware what mail you are opening and where it is coming from.  No company, including your email or favorite store provider, needs your password or credit card information. Usually, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
You’ll be better protected from fraud and face less liability in the event of your card being stolen.  Also, you have time to dispute credit card charges and stop payment to a creditor, whereas, debit charges are taken from your bank account immediately.

Shop only on certifiably secure websites: https.
Look for web addresses beginning with https:// before entering any credit card information and also the little padlock in the lower right of your browser.  This signifies a secure connection. 

Remember Restocking Fees! 
I realize the sense of urgency on a one day deal, but be careful when it comes to purchasing big ticket items for gifts – often times opened laptops and big electronics can result in restocking fees up to 25%.  If you’re not 100% sure it’s what they want, ask.

Don’t make purchases on public wi-fi.
Public wi-fi is easy to tap in to and hackers can easily steal your information --especially dangerous on days like Cyber Monday. 

Protect your smartphone.
According to The National Retail Federation found that 53% of consumers are planning to shop on their smartphones this holiday season.  And 34.8% of tablet owners will make a purchase on their device.  For your smartphone download an app like Lookout for mobile security.  This app will also allow you to wipe your data should it go missing.  (I can’t tell you how many of my girlfriends set their phones down in stores when looking at something or trying something on)

Go-to deal sites.
CyberMonday.com
RetailMeNot.com
Savings.com
Amazon (for lightning deals)
Make sure to hit the ‘Like’ button on your favorite stores for first-to-know deals


3 comments:

  1. Good advice on using a credit card rather than a debit card for purchasing. I had my debit card number stolen and it took a month to work through all the fraudulent charges. I now use a pre-paid credit card for most online purchases now.

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  2. Firstly, You've stolen the ASCII to my heart. Lol. Secondly, this really helped out! Never thought I would be a phishing victim but it happened! Thankfully I knew it was a scam ;) Thanks!

    P.S. Im getting a Hess Truck for Christmas.

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  3. Urgh sorry to hear that Randy.Smart on the prepaid cc. thanks for your insight.

    Brandon - HAHA. I just died laughing on your comments. Thank you (pretend this whole message is in binary).

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