Cyber Monday is here and deal hunters are surfing for once-a-year savings, but a busy day for shoppers is just as busy for scammers.
A record 166.3 million Americans were expected to shop in person or online between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). That is 8 million more people than last year and the NRF’s highest estimate since it began tracking data in 2017.
Americans are especially eager to take advantage of shopping deals as inflation eats at their holiday budgets. A CNBC/Survey Monkey poll found that 67 percent of shoppers are worried about affording holiday items because of inflation, while 69 percent said the possibility of a global recession forced them to consider cutting back.
On Cyber Monday, customers have been flocking to the internet for deals, but don’t click too quickly.
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Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist for the cybersecurity company ESET, said shoppers should always double check where they are buying from or risk falling victim to fake sellers. Make sure the web address is correct and there is an “http” in the web address bar.
“Purchase from trusted and known retailers, and ensure the address of the website reflects the…
