Couch commerce has become the new norm within the global market place. Like “Black Friday” for so many over-caffeinated retail campers, “Cyber Monday” has become the barn burning holiday of the e-commerce world. It has become so prevalent that ComScore, a data-tracking firm, estimates that sales could exceed $1.2 billion today – a new record.
As you can imagine, with possible record breaking sales on the horizon, a tremendous amount of data needs to be transferred in order to make this happen. Most of this will consist of logistics, user data, and that all important credit card information. Now just in case you thought you were safe from the stampede of overindulgent deal hoarders by purchasing content from the safety of your couch or cubicle. The FBI has already reported seizing 150 counterfeit websites in preparation for the digital holiday. This means you’re still at risk.
With so many great deals represented across most major retailers, be careful of the fraudulent sites that either pose as the real deal or offer products through an un-identified third party site. The goal could be to either complete a fraudulent transaction or steal your credit card information.
“The ramifications can be even greater because the illicit profits made from these types of illegal ventures often fuel other kinds of organized crime,” said John Morton, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director.
Many participants will also purchase from their mobile devices. In fact, last year 7.3 million mobile shoppers plugged away for deals on “Cyber Monday.” That number is expected to double this year to 17.8 million mobile shoppers according toBigResearch. With mobile malware up 400 percent on Android devices this past year and 52 percent of new smartphone purchases being Android devices in the same year, the risks have never been higher. Information flow and accessibility is only increasing as we trust more sites with this valuable information. Protect yourself against the risks.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has published some helpful tips to avoid the digital Hamburglars of the world and to keep your holiday season protected from these criminals – seemingly something Ronald McDonald never figured out how to do. Follow these tips and assure a happy holiday.
