Online scammers are always a looming danger, but they are anticipated to pose an even greater risk as Cyber Monday approaches. Cyber Monday stands out as one of the largest online shopping extravaganzas globally. Following closely on the heels of Black Friday, millions of consumers opt for online shopping to dodge the mall congestion and shopping frenzy. Even Black Friday enthusiasts seize the opportunity to snag some deals before they expire. Regrettably, as per the Better Business Bureau (BBB), online scammers are also gearing up for the occasion. This year alone, the BBB has received over 32,000 complaints related to online retailers. Additionally, there have been 7,200 reported scam incidents to the BBB’s Scam Tracker platform in 2019.
To ensure a secure online shopping experience, BBB advises maintaining a cautious stance towards “free” offers and educating your children about online safety. Implementing parental controls and educating your family about email phishing scams are crucial steps to prevent falling victim to a cyber catastrophe.
Prior to divulging any sensitive data, particularly payment information, ensure the website address begins with “https://”. The letter “S” at the end of “https://” signifies that the site is encrypted, providing a safer environment to input credit card details and shipping information. Additionally, routinely updating and running your anti-virus software can offer vital security protection in numerous scenarios.
