As Cyber Monday drives millions of shoppers online for holiday deals, consumer protection officials are warning about the increased risk of scams during the year’s busiest e-commerce day.
The Better Business Bureau reports that Cyber Monday has led online sales since 2019, surpassing Black Friday. In 2020, consumers spent over $10 billion online, setting a record for the largest single day of online sales.
Laura Blankenship, marketing director for the Better Business Bureau serving the Canton Region and greater West Virginia, said the surge in online shopping creates new opportunities for scammers. Among the most common scams are fake websites and fraudulent social media advertisements.
Phishing emails remain a significant threat, according to Blankenship, with scammers using them to steal personal information stored on devices. She advised consumers to avoid clicking links from unknown email senders or third-party vendors on social media. Instead, she recommended verifying deals by visiting the retailer’s official website and researching independently to check for complaints or fraud reports.
“Also, by searching it yourself, you can see if other people have fallen for that scam and if people have purchased and never received it as well,” Blankenship said.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey also issued a warning as part of his office’s Holiday Consumer Protection Week. Morrisey advised shoppers to research retailers to ensure they are legitimate, use credit cards instead of debit cards for better purchase protection, and confirm shipping dates to avoid delays.
Morrisey also reminded consumers to monitor deliveries to prevent package theft, often referred to as “porch piracy.” He suggested having packages delivered to secure locations if recipients will not be home.
For in-person shoppers, Blankenship highlighted the risk of electronic identity theft, where thieves can use technology to access information stored in wallets. She recommended using RFID sleeves for added protection, which the Better Business Bureau offers.
Blankenship also urged shoppers to review return policies carefully, as some items may have strict guidelines, and to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
These precautions aim to help consumers stay safe while navigating the holiday shopping season, whether online or in-store.
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