Smart and Safe Shopping Tips for Cyber Monday and Cyber Week

Cyber Monday (also known as Cyber Week) is one of the best times of the year to find great deals, but it’s also a day when scammers work hard to take advantage of busy shoppers. With some preparation and awareness, you can snag fantastic bargains while keeping your personal and financial information secure.

Here are some simple, practical tips to help you shop smart:

1. Do Your Research Before You Buy

Cyber Monday can feel fast-paced, but taking a few additional minutes to compare and verify can save you money—and prevent headaches.

• Compare Prices: Use price comparison websites or check multiple retailers to ensure that the deal is genuinely a good one.
• Check Retailer Reputations: Stick to well-known stores or smaller retailers with strong reputations. Look for clear contact information, return policies, and customer service details.
• Read Customer Reviews: Product ratings and reviews can help you avoid low-quality items or misleading listings.
• Beware of “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals: If a price seems too good to be true, it might be a scam or a counterfeit product. Trust your instincts.
  

2. Avoid Email Scams and Phishing Attempts

Cyber Monday is filled with promotional emails, but among the legitimate ones, there are dangerous fakes.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Don’t click on suspicious links: Scammers often disguise their emails to make them appear to be from real stores. If anything seems off, it’s best to delete the email.
• Avoid opening unexpected attachments: Retailers rarely send attachments. These files can contain malware or viruses that could compromise your device.
• Check sender addresses carefully: Look for small changes in the email address, such as extra letters, misspellings, or unfamiliar domains; these are red flags that indicate a possible scam.
• Go directly to the retailer’s website: Instead of clicking on links in emails, type the store’s website address directly into your browser. This is the safest way to shop online.

3. Use a Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card When Shopping Online 

Most credit cards provide better fraud protection than debit cards. If you encounter problems—such as unauthorized charges, fraudulent transactions, or disputes with a seller—it is usually easier to contest the charge and recover your money. 

Using a credit card adds an extra layer of security between your bank account and potential fraud.

4. Strengthen Security on Your Retail Accounts

Before you start shopping online, take a moment to secure your accounts.

• Create strong, unique passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple websites. Consider using a password manager like Keeper or LastPass to help you manage your passwords.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA gives you an extra layer of security by requiring a second step, such as an email or text message with a security code, or an authentication app, making your account significantly more secure.
• Review saved payment methods: Remove any outdated credit cards or accounts you no longer use.

5. Tips for Getting the Best Cyber Week Deals

Cyber Monday marks the start, but many retailers extend their sales throughout the week and even into December.

To get the best deals and savings, consider the following tips:

• Time Your Purchases: Some deals improve as the week progresses, particularly for electronics, clothing, and home goods.
• Use Price-Tracking Tools: Utilize websites and browser extensions that notify you when product prices drop.
• Sign Up for Retailer Alerts: Many stores offer exclusive Cyber Week discounts to subscribers of their email or text notifications.
• Stack Discounts: Look for opportunities to combine coupon codes, loyalty rewards, cash-back offers, and free shipping promotions.

Stay safe, and snag those fantastic deals!

Cyber Monday should be an enjoyable experience and a fantastic opportunity to save money. With these straightforward safety and shopping strategies, you can navigate the sales confidently and securely.

Stay alert, shop smart, and enjoy the well-deserved deals throughout the week!