PHOENIX — Businesses and shoppers are gearing up for Cyber Monday.
Analysts report the popular online shopping day could set a record this year.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) is expecting 182 million people to shop in stores and online from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday.
More people still shop on Black Friday, but NRF reports Cyber Monday isn't too far behind with more than 70 million people expected to find deals across the internet in 2023.
"People are getting savvier. They are finding ways to navigate inflation, and so, they're looking for those big bargains. They're looking for coupons. They're comparison shopping, and retailers are giving people what they want," Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert, said.
Woroch told 12News that the shoppers who save the most money are prepared.
"Start thinking about where you want to shop, maybe add items to your cart," Woroch said. "This makes it kind of easier to see what the deals are for the items you wanted to buy in your cart because the discount will automatically pop up."
Woroch said she recommends making a list and shopping around for the lowest prices. She told 12News that the best way to avoid misleading offers is to check the pricing history.
"If there's something on your list that you're shopping for and you're getting it at about 40 percent off, that's a really good deal. Chances are it's not going to get any cheaper. I would buy it," Woroch said.
While trying to get the best deal, it's also important to stay cyber-safe.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said consumers should research a company's name with "scam" or "complaint" to see if they have a history of bad transactions.
Experts suggest shopping on secure websites that begin with "https," and never making a purchase on public networks.
"Don't make any purchases where you're entering your credit card information because hackers could be lurking," Woroch said.
Woroch said shoppers should remain vigilant even after pressing purchase by tracking orders and sending deliveries to a safe location to avoid porch pirates.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.