Better Business Bureau

Cyber Monday is one of the biggest days of the year for online sales. According to Adobe’s 2018 Digital Insights Shopping Predictions, Cyber Monday is expected to bring in $7.8 billion, up nearly 18 percent over 2017.

The Better Business Bureau is reminding consumers to be mindful of online transactions during the holiday season.

Test your “Digital IQ.” Get ready for Cyber Monday by taking a 12-question quiz (http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2400806/Test-Your-DigitalIQ) to test your knowledge of savvy shopping. Learn about managing digital privacy and sharing data online.

Be a savvy shopper. When shopping online, take your time and read the fine print before submitting an order. Look for the return policy during the holidays, as some stores have different policies depending on the item you purchase.

Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are available only online, but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a well-known retailer’s website, so make sure you are shopping on a legitimate site. Check bbb.org to read more about unfamiliar stores or websites.

Trust but verify. When shopping online, use retail websites you trust. Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.” If you’re shopping with an unfamiliar retailer, visit bbb.org to read customer reviews.

Use anti-virus software to keep your computer and personal information safe and up to date.

Shop with a credit card. A credit card provides additional protections over a debit card in case of fraudulent transactions because it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve. Prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.

Make sure websites are secure. Share personal information and a credit card number only with websites that are https (the extra “s” stands for secure) and that have a security lock icon in the task bar.

Be careful of phishing scams. A popular one at this time of year is an email claiming to be from a package-delivery company with links to tracking information. Clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/or identity theft.

Check bbb.org to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam, and more.