Cyber Monday Draws Concerns Over Cybercrime

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- The online deals were everywhere on Cyber Monday. There were some big markdowns are some of the most popular items, including electronics, appliances and jewelry. In addition, stores offered free shipping, two-for-one deals and double coupons.

The average order was expected to be around $190 dollars this year. That figure is up from $170 last year and the deals are expected to continue, CBS 2's Magee Hickey reported.

The buying frenzy actually began on Thanksgiving Day when online spending reportedly jumped 28 percent to $407 million compared to last year. On Cyber Monday 2009, consumers spent $887 million and this year an 11 percent increase was expected.

But the day has also attracted a growing number of fraudsters masquerading as suppliers of super deals when their only real objective is to rip off consumers.

Despite the fact that 1 in 10 U.S. consumers are victimized by identity theft, there are ways to protect yourself.

Manhattan District Attorney Chief of Cybercrime David Szuchman offered some suggestions.

"You should not be putting your Social Security number, your pedigree, date of birth information into websites or sending them in emails. These emails can be compromised. They can be hacked. You need to protect your information very, very closely," Szuchman said.

At a meeting of the City Council Public Safety Committee, representatives of the Manhattan DA's office and state Consumer Protection Board also reminded all online shoppers to take the following precautions:

-Check credit card statements promptly.

-Shred all documents containing personal information -- especially your Social Security number.

-Beware of "shoulder surfing" in public places where people can grab personal information.