Three out of four online retailers report sales increased substantially on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which led to the marketing term, "Cyber Monday".
In 2014, Cyber Monday online sales grew to a record $2.6 billion. Industry experts say the average order was about $125 dollars. But a state consumer expert says you need to be vigilant so con artists and scammers don't take advantage of your online shopping zeal.
Frank Frassetto from the state Trade and Consumer Protection agency says make sure you carefully read the fine print. He says retailers sometimes have specific wording for specials...
"....any kinds of sales going on and whether they're happening on that day or if it's a different day. You might want to read very carefully the return and exchange policies. They may be different on a Cyber Monday than others days, weeks, or the month..."
He says before you do any shopping, be sure you update your software and anti-virus protection to make sure you are protected. He says scammers and con artists are also out in droves on Cyber Monday.
Frassetto says a person needs to keep a close eye when comparing models from website to website as sometimes differences are less apparent online than when you are in a retail store. He says check the fine print to make sure you are getting what you bought. Frassetto says go the DATCP Consumer Protection Bureau at datcap.wisconsin.gov or call toll free at 800-422-7128.