Cyber Monday spending to hit record $13.2 billion, BBB issues scam warning

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day of the year, but experts warn it’s also one of the most active days for scammers hoping to take advantage of the surge in digital traffic.

New data from Adobe Analytics shows consumers could spend a record $13.2 billion by the end of Monday — a more than 6% increase from last year. Online spending is projected to hit its busiest window between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., when shoppers could collectively spend more than $15.7 million every minute.

But with so much money moving online, consumer protection groups say scammers are just as busy.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says Cyber Monday is prime time for fraudulent websites, imitation brand pages and misleading social media ads designed to lure shoppers into entering their personal or financial information.

Scammers often copy well-known retailers, use nearly identical URLs with slight misspellings, or promote extreme discounts that seem hard to pass up.

BBB and cybersecurity experts recommend these steps to avoid scams and protect your data:

Verify the website

• Look closely at the URL, as scammers often alter one letter.
• Make sure the site begins with “https” (the “s” means secure).
• Avoid entering personal information on non-secure pages.

Stick with trusted retailers

• Shop directly from a brand’s official website instead of clicking ads.
• Research unfamiliar sellers by checking customer reviews and a company’s BBB Business Profile.

Use safe payment methods

• Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection.
• Avoid wire transfers, prepaid debit cards or payment requests through Cash App, Venmo or Zelle.

Watch for fake “deals”

• Some websites inflate original prices to make discounts look bigger.
• Use price-tracking tools and browser extensions to confirm you're getting a true discount.

Be cautious with Buy Now, Pay Later

• Missing installments through services like Afterpay or Affirm can lead to fees and impact credit.

Protect your deliveries

Cyber Monday kicks off peak package-theft season. BBB recommends:

• Tracking shipments
• Using secure pickup lockers
• Requiring signatures for high-value items

Understand return policies

Holiday return rules can differ — and many Cyber Monday items may be final sale.
Always check return windows, restocking fees and whether gift receipts are available.

Avoid phishing scams

With more orders in progress, fake “delivery problem” texts and emails spike this week.
Do not click on suspicious links or respond to messages from unknown senders claiming an issue with your package.

The BBB says shoppers can reduce their risk by choosing retailers that display the BBB Accredited Business Seal, which signals that a company meets transparency and ethical business standards.

While Cyber Monday remains a major opportunity for holiday savings, the BBB encourages shoppers to slow down and verify websites before checking out, especially during the evening rush.