12 Cyber Monday Safety Tips 2022

Online scams happen every minute on Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, which is also a great day to save on merchandise  in-store and online. While you are protected by homeowners insurance if your purchases are stolen out of your car or right out of your hands, things get more complicated with purchases made online. The Internet is ripe with fraudulent retailers looking to cash in on the holiday season, so it’s good to know how to prevent becoming the victim of a scam and what to do if the worst happens.

Remember that in 2019, cybercriminals created nearly 100,000 fake online-shopping websites that looked so real that they lured in thousands of shoppers and scammed them. And credit-card stealing malware has hit Macy’s and other large retailers.

On This Page

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  Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Me on Cyber Monday?

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  Bonus Tip: Did You Know That Home Insurance Covers Porch Pirates?

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  Cyber Monday FAQs

Here are some ways to avoid getting ripped off Cyber Monday 2022 while shopping for great deals:

1. Use a secure device, whether it’s a computer, laptop, tablet or cellphone. Make sure it has virus and malware protection on it.
2. Shop online with reputable retailers only. Many bad actors prepare for this season by setting up websites with recognizable logos and such. Always check the URL to see if it seems suspect.
3. Be on the lookout for fake storefronts online. Avoid them by going directly to reputable retailers. Your best bet is to Google the store or website you want to buy from, instead of clicking on links sent to you in an email. This is how many people fall victim to cyber criminals.
4. Shop on secure websites only. A secure site's URL should start with HTTPS and not HTTP.  Look for an ecommerce website with an SSL certificate and TLS technology so that your data is only shared between you and that retailer.
5. When creating an account with a retailer, use strong passwords. Avoid other passwords you use, common names, pet names and birthdays. If possible, use a password manager.
6. Use a credit card instead of a debit card. You can always dispute a charge on a credit card but not on a debit card.
7. Don’t save your credit card information on a website. Don’t be lazy because it’s not safe. Even if you’re certain you’ve reached the right retailer, it’s safer to enter your information again next time you shop in case there’s ever a data breach.
8. Buy a virtual card. These are one-time use credit cards that are linked to your real cards but usually expire after one.
9. Avoid shopping on public wifi. Yes, it’s unfortunate but cyber criminals are out there this time of year waiting for you to order gifts for loved ones.
10. Keep an eye on your credit card accounts for a few weeks to make sure you were only billed for intended purchases.
11. Pay using a secure payment provider like PayPal. It won’t be as easy to access your bank account this way.
12. If you’re shopping with a smartphone, use the shop’s app instead of a browser. There’s far less chance that it’ll be a fraudulent transaction.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Me on Cyber Monday?

If theft of your purchases happens in a brick and mortar shop most homeowners insurance policies will cover your losses after you pay the deductible. However, home insurance policies do NOT cover cyber fraud (theft or fraud that happens online). You are, however, covered if your package is stolen after delivery, but you would have to pay a deductible first. In other words, if a porch pirate steals your package, you’re covered. If a fraudulent retailer took your money and sent you nothing, you’re not covered. Try retracting the transaction if you used a credit card by calling the credit card company right away, as soon as you suspect you’ve been defrauded.

Homeowners insurance does not cover cyber crime, unfortunately.

Bonus Tip: Did You Know That Home Insurance Covers Porch Pirates?

You know that strange neighbor you suspect has taken your packages in the past – well, surveillance cameras may help catch him, but if you don’t have any proof, at least know that your homeowners insurance will cover your stolen merchandise even if the retailer doesn’t. You are responsible for paying the deductible though, and it may not make sense to file a claim unless you bought a big-ticket item like a large television.

Get Personalized Home Insurance Quotes Here

If a porch pirate steals your package, you’re covered with homeowners insurance.

Be sure you’re covered if you’re shopping in person on Black Friday and stay safe online on Cyber Monday. It’s important to have home insurance, not only in case you’re robbed, but to protect your home or condo. Remember that your home insurance policy will cover packages stolen from your porch too!

To make sure you’re getting the best price on insurance, bundle home and auto insurance policies and pay upwards of 25% less overall. Start with a home insurance quote and ask the agent if you’re eligible for a big discount for adding on a car insurance policy.