DETROIT – Shopping online is bigger than ever. Even as many of you were hitting the stores over the holiday weekend, you were also shopping on your computers, tablets, and phones. One expert said online sales topped $500 million online by Thursday afternoon.
Now comes Cyber Monday and "Help Me Hank" can show you how to avoid some cybersecurity mistakes and save more money.
If you're lucky enough to have the day off, you can probably take your time shopping online for hours. However, many of you will probably be doing your shopping right under your boss' nose.
"Ninety-five percent of consumers are planning to shop on the job, so they don't miss the Cyber Monday deals," said Sara Skirboll of RetailMeNot.com. The website, dedicated to saving shoppers money, did some research and found shopping at work is running rampant. That 95 percent figure is up 10 percent over 2014.
How to save more
There are a few key steps to saving more money on Cyber Monday. The first step is a no-brainer, but it's a step many people skip.
"It sounds so simple, but make a list. Know what you're going in for. Know what you need," Skirboll said.
Even if you're just waking up, there's still time to make that list before you start surfing your favorite shopping sites. However, you should also remember some deals are better than others on Cyber Monday.
"What I like to tell people, as a shopping expert, is that you can pick up better deals in certain categories on Cyber Monday," Skirboll said.
Shopping insiders say you'll find the most savings on toys, appliances, office supplies, shoes and beauty products. So when you make that list you might want to focus on those areas to maximize savings.
Skirboll also said the sooner you start shopping on Cyber Monday, the better. "If you're looking for a particular toy, this is a great example. You don't want that toy to sell out. You don't want a sad little kid!"
Cyber shoppers also need to be savvy about shipping. On Cyber Monday, you should be able to find free shipping from most retailers, or you might want to shop elsewhere. Whenever you shop online, know what shipping will cost before you make a purchase. There are also other ways to get your items.
"A ton of retailers, everyone from American Eagle to Macy's, is doing buy online, pick up in stores," Skirboll said.
Security precautions; be safe!
No matter where you shop, make sure you're following basic cybersecurity precautions. Scammers and hackers know you are sharing a lot of personal information this time of year, and you don't want to make it any easier for them to rip you off. Here's a list of steps that can help you protect your information.
If you're a frequent online shopper, having that separate email will keep all your shopping offers in one place. That account shouldn't have any other personal information, in case there's a breach. Also, remember to have a separate password for that account so it doesn't match the password for other, more sensitive accounts.
Finally, don't forget to shop for yourself during the busy holiday season. Most of the focus is on buying gifts, but this season is also a good time to stock up on items you need for yourself, your home and those you love. It's all about the savings and staying safe.
Happy Holidays!