Cyber Monday! Check out important security tips and local deals

Are you ready for Cyber Monday?  Check out security tips first and then some great local websites and deals.

We’ve all heard the quote from the famous bank robber Willie Sutton. Asked why he robbed banks, Sutton said, “I rob banks because that’s where the money is.”

This year, Cyber Monday sales are expected to top $3 billion with about 122 million Americans participating. With all that kind of online traffic, here is a refresher course by CBS Money Watch to avoid the “Willie Sutton” mischievous bad actors out there.

Cyber Monday security tips:

• Don’t use debit cards to make online purchases. Credit cards offer more protections against any problems.
• Make sure the site has security measures. Look for an image of a lock in the site’s address in the web browser.
• Don’t be tempted by prices that seem too good to be true when offered on unfamiliar sites. It could be a scam.
• Be careful when buying merchandise from sellers on eBay, Etsy and similar outlets where you are purchasing items sold by individuals or very small businesses. Check out the sellers’ ratings by other shoppers, and look for a freestanding website. That can help determine their legitimacy.
• Check your credit card statement after giving your information to a little-known vendor and report any problems to the issuer immediately. And monitor your credit reports.
• Don’t let any site save your credit card information, even those big stores where you shop regularly.
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi to purchase products or check your bank account. Use your phone instead because the network is considered more secure.

Now – onto the local deals.

Instagifts Birmingham –  A great way to purchase gift cards from local merchants and restaurants.

Alabama Outdoors – Apparel Sales and the extension of their Black Friday sales.

Mountain High Outfitters – Several sales coupons available only on the website.

Books -a- Million – The Florence, Alabama based company has several bargains.

Soccer 365.com – This Birmingham based company isn’t pushing Cyber Monday – but it is one of the largest online soccer and rugby merchandise companies in the country.

Big Retailers

USA Today also has a comprehensive story about sales from the big retailers – Check it out here.  And for Sports fans – here.