Shoppers expected to spend more money on Cyber Monday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day of the year for the third year in a row.

Americans are expected to spend $1.5 billion on Cyber Monday.

That's up from $1.25 billion last year.

Some experts say you may not find the cheapest deals online. Some retailers may hold back on steeper discounts until the first weeks in December.

A record 247 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend.

The National Retail Federation said that's 21 million more people than last year. Shoppers also spent more -- an average of $423.

Experts say Cyber Monday is a big enough draw to attract cyber-crime.

"Bad guys are creating fake retailer websites and these fake sites are designed to get you to enter your credit card information and often these fake sites revolve around gift cards," said McAfee online security expert Robert Siciliano.

To protect yourself, experts say to shop with retailers you know and make sure the site is secure with https in the web address.

They say to use your credit card instead of debit card.  And as always, check your statements.

WSOC