NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The next national U.S. shopping event after Black Friday, called Cyber Monday, is fraught with possibilities for error, a private Internet firm said.
SortPrice.com, a Web site that helps consumers compare prices, said Cyber Monday offers new choices, but "with all of those choices, however, comes the reality that this time of year requires diligence not just in finding the best deals out there but protecting yourself while you shop online," SortPrice Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Doron Simovitch said.
SortPrice issued an "11 for 11 List," meant to protect consumers as they try to find online deals on Cyber Monday, which takes place the first Monday following Thanksgiving.
SortPrices suggests consumers "be thorough" in researching deals. The first eye-catching offer may not be the best one out there.
Suggestions include updating computer virus protection before dashing off to visit new Web sites, making sure consumers read the fine print -- frequently listed as terms and conditions -- and watch out for deals "too good to be true."
Technical suggestions include using credit cards, not debit cards, for online purchases, as credit cards are generally better protected by the card issuer, and using Web sites that have URL addresses beginning with "https:// that indicate secure connections when placing orders and entering personal information."
Also from a technical point of view, SortPrice suggests using highly secure passwords for Internet surfing.
"Avoid pet names, birthdays … and incorporate numbers and characters," SortPrice said in a statement.
In addition, keep copies of receipts, confirmation numbers and information on delivery status," the statement said.
