JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We're done with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday has come and gone, but now it's time for Cyber Monday; the chance to find good deals online.
The term was coined in 2005 after the National Retail Federation noticed an increase in internet sales following the busiest shopping day of the year.
Just like they did with Black Friday, in a race to bring in the most customers, big box stores started Cyber Monday early. Best Buy and Amazon started Cyber Monday deals on Sunday.
Cyber Monday is a concept that's been growing and sales have more than tripled in the last ten years.
"I get to stay at home and drink my coffee and shop," said MaryAnn Lambertson.
It's a convenience people are taking advantage of Black Friday-type deals on Cyber Monday and the sales are creeping up. In 2005, online sales on Cyber Monday were $484 million and by 2012, it more than tripled to $1.5 billion making last Cyber Monday the most online spending day in history.
"The deals online generally be like almost the same but sometimes you can get them a little cheaper and theres no shipping, you don't have to come out in your car, you don't have to drive waste gas so sometimes it's better," said Natalie Jones, Cyber Monday shopper.
Although Cyber Monday protects you from being trampled by a hoard of shoppers when the stores open, scammers and hackers pose a different threat.
"Be very very weary of the fly by night companies that's offering big deals because sometimes you'll have thieves set up a fake website to get your personal information and to rob your bank account," said Ken Jefferson.
Channel 4's crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said to stick with what you know. A new website may offer a better deal but if you can't trust it, don't risk it.
Use a credit card instead of debit, don't click on any pop-up screens even if you have anti-virus software and when you check out online look for a SSL padlock icon which ensures your information stays private.
"Always go to a safe site, one that has disclaimers on it one that is frequently shopped places like Amazon, eBay, place like that," said Jefferson.
The retail agency Comscore expected sales to go up even more this year. They predict Cyber Monday to bring in $1.8 to $2 billion in sales.