JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The countdown is on. You have until the end of Monday to save money on the biggest online shopping day of the year.
Billions of dollars are expected to be shelled out this Cyber Monday. Last year was the biggest online shopping day in history, according to Adobe, but Monday is also a big day for scammers.
Electronics are one of the big ones for Cyber Monday deals, but the deals stretch across the board and it really depends on what you're looking for. You might go right away to Amazon but don't forget to compare prices with other online shops.
A few things to shop for during Cyber Monday you may not have considered are streaming services, gift cards, or local small business deals.
Some streaming services are offering sign-ups for 99 cents or $1.99 a month for a year. You can even buy gift cards for less money than they’re worth. For instance, a $50 gift card might only cost you $40. Don't forget about local places either, for instance, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are offering deals for Cyber Monday.
Don't get scammed
Cyber Monday is also a big day for scams. More than 30 million people are scammed on Cyber Monday and Black Friday, according to a NordVPN survey. That's 17 percent of shoppers.
For websites you don't know, check out their Better Business Bureau profile online and read customer reviews. The BBB says to watch out for fake websites. You can do that by making sure the business’s name is spelled correctly and that the URL begins with "HTTPS" and not just "HTTP."
Look out for texts or emails you didn't sign up for, be cautious about using public hotspots, and keep an extra eye on your bank account this week. If you think you find a scam, report it to the BBB here.
After making sure where you're buying from is legitimate, do what you can to ensure your package isn't stolen. Set the delivery time for a time you'll be home and leave clear instructions for whoever is delivering your package.