Much like Black Friday, news of Cyber Monday sales was “leaked” all across the Internet for a week before sales began, attempting to entice shoppers to save their holiday shopping for one of the biggest online shopping events of the holiday season. While brick and mortar stores pulled out all the stops on Friday, the online shopping extravaganza is the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sales are expected to be strong, with accessories for consumer’s other purchases running a strong contender for the lead product category to rake in the credit cards today. Free shipping is a big perk consumers look for on Cyber Monday, giving shoppers all the benefits of shopping from home at no extra cost than in store shopping.

The National Retail Federation predicts an increase in Cyber Monday shoppers this year, expecting 96.5 million American shoppers over 2008′s 85 million. 88.2 million of those folks will shop from home while a whopping 13.5 million have stated they have every intention of shopping while at work.

While the number of Cyber Monday shoppers is huge, it really isn’t the online market’s biggest shopping day of the year. It’s more of a kickoff to the holiday shopping season. The honor of biggest online shopping day is reserved for the true procrastinators who wait for the last day of shipping with guaranteed Christmas delivery.

If you plan on getting in on the shopping frenzy via the Internet this year, keep in mind some standard safeguards to prevent the Grinch from spoiling your day with viruses and identity theft. Make sure the computer you use has all the latest updates, as well as spam filters, antivirus software and spyware software. Print out copies of all your order verifications so you have documentation should you need it. Look for secure websites if you are entering private data such as name, address and banking or credit card information. To make sure a site is secure, check your browser bar. Instead of the usual http:// beginning to a web address, if it shows https:// that means you are on a secure site. This provides you with the greatest amount of protection for your personal information.

Watch out for suspicious holiday e-cards or social networking friend requests as well, because there will be plenty of scammers online trying to swipe your information.

Federal law protects your shipping date promises and says shipping must complete by the promised date or within 30 days or consumers can demand and receive a full refund.

Cyber-Monday- Are Consumers Still Shopping after Black Friday? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Due to the increase in the number of online shoppers who are likely to use credit cards on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, here are some tips for using your credit cards wisely as recommended by BillShrink.com, the free online service that saves people money on everyday bills, has compiled recommendations on the best credit cards for different types of holiday shoppers, coupled with tips on how to how to avoid getting hurt by issuers’ sneaky fine print.

Skip the Retailer’s Credit Card Offers

The holiday season prompts retailers to increase marketing efforts for their store credit cards. If you’re shopping in person, don’t be surprised if at every check out you’re asked if you’d like to pay for your purchases with a new credit card. Most will have a 0% promotional offer, or will save you 20% off that day’s purchase – but don’t be tempted! A single late payment on this card can cause that 0% interest rate to jump over 20%; and the 20% you might save from today’s purchase will not make up for the amount you’ll pay in interest and fees over time if you don’t pay the balance off in full.

Take Advantage of your Credit Card Return Policy

If you’re a savvy shopper getting your holiday shopping done early, you may find that by the time your gift exchange happens you’re already beyond the retailers 14-30 day return period. If your credit card offers return protection, your card issuer will take back most items the store won’t accept, up to 90 days after the purchase date.

Pretend Your Credit Card is a Debit Card

While many people rely on credit cards when they don’t have the cash to shop – ideally you should make sure you have enough money in the bank to cover everything you pay for with your credit card. Keep track of spending just like you would your debit card, and you’ll know exactly how much your holiday shopping is costing you and whether you have enough money to afford what you’re buying.

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Tips for Using Your Credit Cards Wisely for Black Friday and Cyber Monday was created by and is property of American Consumer News.