Don't Be Fooled! Cyber Monday Specials and Scams

Posted on 29. Aug, 2008 by shopzilla in Cyber Monday

Only three months left until Cyber Monday. I must admit, I’m already anxious. As the victim of several scams, online shopping turns my palms sweaty faster than you can say, “debit card.” Squinting at fine print and security certificates takes the special right out of Cyber Monday specials, at least for me. But once you get the process down, Cyber Monday shopping becomes easier. Here’s five tips for finding the real deals, spotting decoys, and having an all-around pleasant holiday shopping experience.

1. Who’s Behind that Cyber Monday Specials Screen?

Before you click, “buy,” get the name and physical address of the seller. Having some sort of identification makes it much easier to nab the scam artist. If you’re cruising for Cyber Monday specials on an online auction site, take a quick look at the seller’s track record.

2. Phishing E-mails, the Quickest Way to Catch a Sucker

Everyone likes to think that they’re too swift to fall for phishing e-mails. In the Cyber world, we’re all fish, waiting to be caught hook and subject line. If an e-mail pops up into your inbox and asks you for any personal information (account numbers, social security, and other) delete it immediately. Legitimate companies never solicit personal information over e-mail. Another sign of a scam is a link to a website asking you to type in personal information. Look at it carefully, if you see Cyber Monday Specails it’s the sure sign of a scam.

3. Online Auctions – the Grinch’s Playground

Online auctions, like Ebay are known for great Cyber Monday specials and hard-to-find collectibles. But with holiday thievery at an all-time high, you have to be careful. Before you bid on anything, know how to bid and check out the seller’s record. Be clear on delivery and shipping charges and if you are using a third-party payment system, read the terms carefully. Just think how many lawsuits could be avoided with bigger print and better glasses. Learn from the dupped – read everything you sign, even electronically.

4. Look for the PadLock

This is easy. Make sure your Cyber Monday specials are secure. Whenever you enter payment information, the URL should change from http to shttp or https and an adorable little padlock appears on the browser. Consider the padlock your green light; once you see it, you’re ready to get your gifts.

5. Where It’s Not Safe to Search for Cyber Monday Specials

Most people search for Cyber Monday specials from work for two reasons: to bypass the mall mobs and privacy. Always avoid online shopping from wireless networks; this includes your favorite coffee shop. Turns out online shopping and a grande latte is not the perfect combo. That is, unless you want thieves and hackers to see your financial information.