Cyber Monday has become a highly anticipated event, drawing millions of shoppers eager to snag great deals online. However, the convenience of shopping from your couch also comes with risks, such as scams, fraud, and cyberattacks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience, follow these essential Cyber Monday shopping safety tips.

1. Stick to Reputable Retailers

When hunting for deals, only shop from trusted and well-known retailers. Avoid clicking on random advertisements or links from unfamiliar sources. If you’re tempted by a deal from a lesser-known retailer, research the company first by checking reviews and ratings.

2. Verify Website Security

Before entering personal or payment information, ensure the website is secure. Look for:

• A padlock icon in the address bar.
• “HTTPS” instead of “HTTP” at the beginning of the URL.
  These indicate that the site uses encryption to protect your data.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions

Using public Wi-Fi networks can expose your personal information to hackers. If you must shop while on the go, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

If you’re creating accounts on new shopping websites, use strong and unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many retailers offer two-factor authentication for added security. With 2FA, even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without the second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone.

6. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals often send fake emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate retailers. Be wary of unsolicited emails with deals that seem “too good to be true.” Always type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser rather than clicking on links in emails.

7. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If you spot any, report them immediately. Using a credit card for online purchases is generally safer than using a debit card, as credit cards offer better fraud protection.

8. Be Mindful of Fake Apps

Only download shopping apps from official app stores, such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Fake apps can steal your personal and financial information.

9. Set Spending Alerts

Many banks and credit card companies allow you to set spending alerts. These notifications can help you track your purchases and quickly spot any suspicious activity.

10. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information

Legitimate retailers won’t ask for excessive personal information, such as your Social Security number. Be wary of any site requesting more details than necessary to complete your purchase.

11. Keep Your Software Updated

Ensure your devices, browsers, and security software are up to date. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

12. Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and avoid suspicious websites, deals, or requests for personal information.

By following these Cyber Monday shopping safety tips, you can enjoy the thrill of finding great deals without falling victim to cybercrime. Happy shopping—and stay safe online!

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October is Cyber Security Month, and with it comes yet another Phishing attempt. Here’s what you need to be on the look-out for.

It’s an email which looks like it’s coming from the USPS, but it isn’t. The email is telling you that you have a package sitting at the post office and you need to come get it. That they’ve tried to deliver it to you. But as with all phishing attempts, there are some obvious spelling errors, as well as grammar mistakes.

Here are some other points, it isn’t speaking directly to your company, or even your address. And the reply to address is some place not in the country. The tracking ID isn’t even valid. These are important factors when looking at emails like this. When you stop and look at all the facts, it really stands out as a fake email, just trying to get you to click on it.

So please, when you get an email that looks fishy, be aware of the fact that it probably is. If you have to ask yourself, is this legit? More often than not, it is indeed not legit at all.

If you are still questioning it, and want some reassurance, send us an email here at Webtivity, or give us a call. We’re happy to answer any question you have. But don’t forward the email if you think it’s suspicious, take a screen shot of it, and send us the picture. We don’t want you forwarding any phishing emails.

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We wanted to let you know about a domain scam. There is yet another scam going around trying to get some of our clients to pay to “renew” their domain. Please don’t click on any links in this email.

The scammers aren’t even emailing you. What they’re doing is using the contact form on your website to send you this domain scam. This should be the first clue that this is a scam. If it were a legit bill, they would send you a bill to your email address, not the contact form on your website.

Secondly, if you google what is .ga domain, it is some other country. Then, if you look at where they’re asking you to remit payment, again, that is different than where the email is coming from.

If you ever have a question about your website domain, check out this website:

https://www.godaddy.com/whois

This can provide you with all the information you need such as:

• Who the domain is registered to
• When the domain expires

So this should clarify any misleading information that this “invoice” is trying to tell you otherwise. Furthermore, just call your web hosting company and check with them. Please, do not pay anything that looks suspicious, or click on ANY links in an odd looking email. Just give us a call or send us an email with a copy of the invoice if you’re unsure. Webtivity is always happy to help! Don’t fall victim to a domain scam.

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Please beware of SEO/Link building billing scam that is going around to some of our clients, and possibly others. It appears that there is a company billing some of our clients for services they aren’t receiving.

The problem is that the company name looks somewhat similar to ours, and if you aren’t paying close attention, you could accidentally end up paying this false company. If receive this SEO/Link building billing scam and question what the bill is for, you could wonder why you are paying for two services. You are NOT. They are not providing you with any service.

We’ve attached a sample of the bill or invoice here so you can see what it looks like in case you get one as well.

Webtivity Marketing & Design doesn’t want you to fall victim to a scam. You work too hard for your money, and in times like these there are so many people out there just trying to take advantage of you.

Please be aware of mail, email, and faxes coming in to your business. Keep track of auto payments. And most importantly, don’t click on anything that looks or feels suspicious. If you do have a question, just ask us, it doesn’t hurt to be safe! Thank you to our customers for bringing these fraudulent bills to our attention. We hope it saves someone from paying something they shouldn’t be paying!

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Jim Mancuso represented new construction home builders for many years. While representing the builder, Jim noticed most new home buyers were walking into a model home with no professional representation from a realtor or agent. This wasn’t the best place for new home buyers to be and Jim saw a need here. So, with the buyer in mind, Jim created Florida Suncoast New Homes – A NO COST TO THE BUYER CONCIERGE SERVICE!

The first step was getting a web presence. Jim contacted Webtivity for professional web design. It was important to Jim that his message get out to the public as soon as possible. Understanding that a full website takes a little time to develop, Jim commissioned Webtivity to create a splash page while his full website was in the works. This allowed awareness to be created about the upcoming website, but more importantly, that Jim was ready to get to work for his customers. With the website completed, FloridaSunCoastNewHomes.com is equipped with mobile first design, SSL security, and utilizes ongoing SEO services to get moving up the ranks in search engine results.

About Florida Suncoast New Homes:  

Powered by real estate expert, Jim Mancuso, Florida Suncoast New Homes is a NO COST TO THE BUYER CONCIERGE SERVICE! They collect no fees or commission from the home buyer as the realtor’s fee is paid the seller – in this case, the builder. Jim Mancuso is well versed in the home building process and offers his experience and knowledge to his customers at no charge. He understands the entire building process from start to finish, knows the right questions to ask, and where to find the new home you’re looking for!

About Webtivity Marketing & Design:

Webtivity Marketing & Design, a Bradenton & St. Petersburg based company, serves clients throughout the U.S. and other parts of the world. Webtivity provides website design/development and cross-media marketing services, including search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media, email marketing, and branding/identity services. Using a consultative approach, Webtivity works with clients to develop an effective marketing strategy based on their business, customers, competition, and budget. For more information, please visit www.webtivitydesigns.com

Webtivity Marketing & Design – Contact

Tim Seward, Business Development Director

Phone: 941-753-7574 x107

Florida Suncoast New Homes – Contact

Jim Mancuso

Phone: (813) 501-3210

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