Above / Be prepared for Cyber Monday with Tips for Safe Internet Shopping from the Better Business Bureau, advice that can be followed on Giving Tuesday and every day,
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Cyber Monday, promoted on the Monday after Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest days of the year for online sales. In fact, in 2017, mobile shopping on Cyber Monday added up to $2 billion in a 24-hour period for the first time ever. In total, online transactions on Cyber Monday reached a record $6.59 billion, a 16.8 percent increase over the previous year.
“With the convenience of online shopping also comes the risk of identity theft, for you and your family,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “BBB urges consumers to be especially vigilant when shopping online during Cyber Monday by making sure you know exactly who you are buying from before confirming your purchase,” he added.
BBB tips for Cyber Monday shopping
Be careful of phishing scams. A popular one at this time of year is an email claiming to be from a package- delivery company with links to tracking information (clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/or identity theft).
HTTP and HTTPS. Before sending any personal and sensitive information over the Internet, make sure the website has “https://” at the beginning of its web address. The “S” at the end of HTTPS indicates that the website is secure and your information is encrypted, which makes it safe to enter a credit card number or other personal information.
Be a savvy shopper. When shopping online, be sure to take your time, and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy during the holidays. Some stores have different return policies depending on the item you purchase and when trying to return an item you purchased online. Although many online orders can be returned for a full refund, others have restocking fees.
Use anti-virus software. To ensure your computer and personal information are safe, use anti-virus software on your computer or mobile device and keep it up-to-date.
Shop with a credit card. A credit card provides additional protections over a debit card in case of fraudulent transactions. If your card number is compromised, it’s easier to dispute any unapproved charges. Prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card, but you’ll never lose more than the value of the card itself.
Parental control. There is software you can install on your kids’ and teens’ computers and mobile devices to limit the websites they can access. This is something to consider for retail websites the younger shoppers in your household may access.
Hackers like kids IDs. Since kids and teens have not established a credit history or have no blemishes on their credit report, hackers are always on the lookout for their information. Hackers can obtain credit cards, loans and more in your child’s name. Talk to your family about the importance of not giving out personal information in soliciting emails or on social media.
Be prepared for online shopping / Test your “Digital IQ”
Get ready for Cyber Monday by taking our fun, 12-question quiz that challenges you to check what you already know about Savvy Shopping. Learn about managing your digital privacy and the value you get from sharing data online.
To report a suspected scam or learn more about the latest scams trending in your area, visit bbb.org/scamtracker.
Better Business Bureau
Chicago – November 24, 2018 – For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Chicago and Northern Illinois which was founded in 1926 and serves counties from Northwest Illinois across the State to Kankakee and all the areas in between.
Submitted by the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois.
Editor’s Note! Find out more about Naperville’s online Business Community north, east, west and south (N.E.W.S.).
Local businesses welcome your business and your inquiries every day, many with offers to check out Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season…
Blooming Color and Optimal Print / Check out the good cheer you can send by creating holiday cards via Blooming Color and Optimal Print.
Downtown Naperville / Discover more than 300 merchants with shopping and dining opportunities.
Where’s the Grinch? Online right here!
From now though Dec. 29, the annual Grinch Hunt returns to Naperville to engage youngsters in the local independent business community, the group known as “IndieBound Naperville” with the bright red signs displayed in shop windows.
The familiar grumpy, green and grouchy character will be hidden (Look for the Grinch image featured here.) in nearly 50 independently-owned stores and businesses in Naperville. It’s all part of the annual Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes promotion this holiday season.
Pick up info with participating merchants and a playing card at Anderson’s Bookshop, located in downtown Naperville.
Then hunt for the Grinch and find him 12 times in order to win prizes during the wrap up party at 11AM on Sat., Dec. 29.
Local Grinch Hunt could be more fun than movie
During the last IndieBound Naperville meeting, several members reported that the colorful new Grinch movie doesn’t compare to the original version. Subsequent reads of the reviews find the new movie has received mostly three stars out of five, and much less than raves for the new adventures in Whoville. Perhaps it will be just as enjoyable to simply join the fun, free of charge, and find the Grinch around Naperville at a small independent business that welcomes you during the holiday season. Cheers!
Plus, wouldn’t it be fun for young Grinch seekers to grow their hearts by donating a gently-used coat to the Rotary Coat Drive or giving a new toy to the Toy for Tots collection or finding out more about the Little Friends Giving Tree?
Reference “Cyber Monday with Positively Naperville” and it will count as an online visit among 12 visits to find the Grinch to be recorded on the passport.
